M-type ferrites as template layers for the growth of oriented Y-type ferrites through chemical solution deposition method

Thin films of Ba2Zn2Fe12O22 (Y-type) ferrite were prepared through the chemical solution deposition method using SrTiO3(111) substrates covered with magnetoplumbite (M-Type) seed layer. Seven M phases with different chemical composition, magnetic character and lattice misfit values were investigated in their use as template and buffer layers. AFM, X-ray and electron back-scatter diffraction measurements of specimens with lattice mismatches ranging from −0.8% to −7.0% revealed increasing in-plane misalignment with increasing lattice misfits. X ray texture analysis together with magnetization measurements demonstrated c-oriented growth of Y films that copes the in-plane orientation of their respective M-type templates. The best in-plane alignment of Y film was obtained when M phases with lattice misfits of −4.9% and −1.5% relative to substrate and Y films, respectively, were used. The effect of surface microstructure of seed layer on oriented growth of Y films was discussed in terms of surface coverage and surface topography.