Atomic-Layer Alignment Tuning for Giant Perpendicular Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy of3dTransition-Metal Thin Films

Out-of-plane spin-orientation dependent magnetotransport properties in the anisotropic helimagnetCr1/3NbS2

“…So far, SOC in magnetic multilayers or superlattice has been studied intensively in terms of engineering the electronic structure in order to control the spontaneous magnetic anisotropy [3,5,6]. Here, we demonstrate the reverse process in a similarly anisotropic layered system Cr 1/3 NbS 2 , such that the spin polarization direction controlled by applied magnetic field alters the electronic structure via SOC.…”

“…It has been shown that electronic structure can be altered via interface SOC by varying the superlattice structure, resulting in spontaneous magnetization perpendicular or parallel to the plane [5,6]. In lieu of magnetic thin films, we study the similarly anisotropic helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS2, where the spin polarization direction, controlled by the applied magnetic field, can modify the electronic structure.…”

Origin of Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy and Large Orbital Moment in Fe Atoms on MgO

“…We show that Fe atoms preferentially bind to O surface sites and develop strong PMA as a result of the interplay between the lowsymmetry ligand field and SOC at these sites. Our IETS measurements reveal a PMA with a zero-field splitting of 14 meV and a corresponding total anisotropy barrier of 18 meV=atom, one order of magnitude larger with respect to the interfacial anisotropy reported in Fe=MgO blanket layers [1, 2,13,15]. Our analysis reveals that the first-order orbital moment of Fe is quenched by the weak fourfold ligand field due to the Mg atoms and relates the PMA to the unusually large second-order orbital moment induced by SOC at the Fe sites.…”

“…Several key properties for the realization of magnetic tunnel junctions, such as perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) [1][2][3][4], giant tunnel magnetoresistance [5][6][7][8], and electric field control of the magnetization [9][10][11] are realized at once in this system. The origin of the interfacial PMA in Fe=MgO layers has been widely discussed [2,[10][11][12][13]. According to recent first principles calculations, PMA results from a combination of both interface and "bulk" effects, in which the hybridization between Fe-3d and O-2p orbitals [2], the Fe thickness [12], and the bcc-like layer stacking of the magnetic layer [13] play a substantial role.…”

“…The origin of the interfacial PMA in Fe=MgO layers has been widely discussed [2,[10][11][12][13]. According to recent first principles calculations, PMA results from a combination of both interface and "bulk" effects, in which the hybridization between Fe-3d and O-2p orbitals [2], the Fe thickness [12], and the bcc-like layer stacking of the magnetic layer [13] play a substantial role. Experimental studies of the Fe=MgO interface, however, usually start from Fe films with a thickness larger than 2 to 3 monolayers (ML) and uneven morphology [1, [14][15][16], which makes it difficult to isolate purely interfacial effects and, in particular, the influence of the orbital hybridization between Fe and MgO on the magnetic moment and anisotropy.…”