Modulation of magnetic anisotropy in Fe/Si(111) thin films through interface property

The magnetic anisotropy of Fe thin films grown on Si(111) was controlled by either oblique deposition of Fe or using an intermediate layer between the Fe film and Si substrate. By 45° and 65° off-normal deposition of Fe, a clear uniaxial magnetic anisotropy was observed in Pd capped Fe/Si(111) films. This uniaxial magnetic anisotropy dominated the magnetic switching behavior, as well as the magnetic hysteresis loops. In contrast to Fe/Si(111) and Fe/Pd-Si/Si(111), a 600 °C-annealed Fe-Si intermediate layer enhanced the coercivity (Hc) of the Fe film from 4 × 103 to 10 × 103 A/m. The simple methods of oblique deposition and suitable intermediate layer modulated the magnetic behavior of magnetic Fe thin films on Si(111) and are valuable for future applications.