Iron borate films: Synthesis and characterization

We report the first successful synthesis of iron borate films. FeBO3 films on GaBO3 single crystal substrates have been prepared by a liquid phase epitaxy route. In order to determine optimal crystallization regimes, a series of experiments has been carried out. Electron microscope studies have allowed monitoring different phases of the film formation. The compositions of the film and of the substrate have been determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis has allowed an accurate determination of a mismatch between the lattice parameters of the film and of the substrate. Electron magnetic resonance studies of the FeBO3 film confirm the existence of magnetic ordering. The values of the effective Dzyaloshinskii field as well as the Néel temperature are in good accordance with those previously determined for FeBO3 single crystal.