ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Magnetic ordering at the Verwey transition in bulk like Fe3O4 thin films

Abstract: Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a predicted half-metallic (100% spin polarised) ferromagnet with a high Curie temperature of ~858K. These properties make it well suited to use in spintronic applications such as magnetoresistance-based devices and spin injection into semiconductors. In bulk magnetite, the origin of the Verwey transition is still debated. However, thin film investigations of magnetite have been hindered by strain and growth defects leading to antiphase boundaries and altered magnetic properties. We have developed an optimised growth method for producing Fe3O4 thin films with bulk-like stoichiometry and properties. This provides a unique opportunity to study the magnetization depth dependence through the Verwey transition. The results will clarify the role of the interface and of strain on the density of defects, such as antiphase boundaries, and point the route to device fabrication.

Principal Investigator: Dr Gavin Bell
Experimenter: Dr Christopher Burrows
Experimenter: Dr Thomas Saerbeck
Local Contact: Dr Timothy Charlton
Experimenter: Professor Thomas Hase
Experimenter: Dr Vlado Lazarov
Experimenter: Miss Steph Glover
Experimenter: Mr Samuel Seddon
Local Contact: Dr Christy Kinane

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1520305

ISIS Experiment Number: RB1520305

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Gavin Bell et al; (2015): Magnetic ordering at the Verwey transition in bulk like Fe3O4 thin films, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB1520305

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.