Polarized neutron reflectometry of the influence of Fe/Si, Fe/FeSi2 and Au/Fe interfaces on the magnetic properties of epitaxial Fe films

The effects of interfacial interactions between Fe–O and Fe–Si induced by ion-beam bombardment on the magnetic properties of Si-oxide/Fe bilayers

“…One of the most widely investigated systems is the Fe/Si combination [8]. The magnetic anisotropy of Fe thin films deposited on Si (1 1 1) substrates could be tailored by changing the deposition incidence angle [9] and introducing a capping layer [10]. The formation of iron silicides at the interface can result in a drastic drop in the overall Fe layer magnetization [10].…”

“…The magnetic anisotropy of Fe thin films deposited on Si (1 1 1) substrates could be tailored by changing the deposition incidence angle [9] and introducing a capping layer [10]. The formation of iron silicides at the interface can result in a drastic drop in the overall Fe layer magnetization [10]. The phases from intermixing at the interface of Si/Fe or Fe/Si are also inequivalent: it is ferromagnetic when depositing a Fe layer on Si [11], whereas it is nonmagnetic when a Fe layer is capped with Si [12].…”