Microstructural and Magnetic Modifications of Iron Oxide Thin Films Fabricated via Pulsed Laser Deposition

International Journal of Physics | Vol. 2, No. 5, May 2011 | pp. 35–42

DOI: 10.46882/2011/IJP/000017

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Microstructural and Magnetic Modifications of Iron Oxide Thin Films Fabricated via Pulsed Laser Deposition

Names of Authors: S. O. Adebayo¹, R. J. Green²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Physics, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria; ²Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Abstract: Epitaxial iron oxide thin films, particularly magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (gamma-Fe₂O₃), are highly attractive for high-density magnetic recording media and spintronic devices due to their high Curie temperatures and high spin polarization. This paper details the structural and magnetic variations observed in iron oxide thin films grown on magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates via pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The growth parameters, including oxygen background pressure (10⁻⁵ Pa to 10 Pa) and substrate temperature (500 K to 850 K), were varied systematically to alter the iron oxidation states. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed the growth of single-phase Fe₃O₄ thin films with a cubic inverse spinel structure under an optimal pressure of 10⁻³ Pa. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) revealed a saturation magnetization of 410 emu/cm³ at room temperature, which approaches the bulk value. We observed a clear Verwey transition at 120 K in electrical resistivity plots, which served as a sensitive indicator of oxygen stoichiometry. Films grown at higher oxygen pressures transitioned into the alpha-Fe₂O₃ phase, showing an abrupt drop in magnetic remanence. These results demonstrate that adjusting the PLD ambient environment allows precise phase control for magnetic thin-film optimization.

Keywords: Pulsed laser deposition; Iron oxide thin films; Magnetite; Saturation magnetization; Verwey transition; X-ray diffraction; Inverse spinel structure; Spintronics.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 15, 2011; Revised: March 24, 2011; Accepted: April 18, 2011; Published: May 11, 2011.

Citation: Adebayo, S. O., & Green, R. J. (2011). Microstructural and Magnetic Modifications of Iron Oxide Thin Films Fabricated via Pulsed Laser Deposition. International Journal of Physics, 2(5), 35–42.

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