Epitaxial hybrid ferromagnet-semiconductor structures: growth, structural and magnetic properties

Abstract

Ferromagnet-semiconductor heterostructures are promising materials for the integration of magnetic or spin related functions into semiconductor materials and devices. Fe-on-GaAs and MnAs-on-GaAs are canditates for potential room temperature applications. We review our recent results on growth, structural and magnetic properties of these materials, and their use as spin injectors. The most critical issue of Fe/GaAs heterostructures is the delicate interface formation during epitaxy and its possible modification during subsequent processing. The properties of the MnAs/GaAs heterostructures are intimately related to the phase transition between ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases.