Antiferromagnetic domain reconfiguration in embedded LaFeO3 thin film nanostructures

Nano Lett. 2010 Nov 10;10(11):4578-83. doi: 10.1021/nl1025908.

Abstract

Using photoemission electron microscopy in combination with X-ray magnetic linear dichroism, we report reconfiguration upon nanostructuring of the antiferromagnetic domain structure in epitaxial LaFeO3 thin films. Antiferromagnetic (AFM) nanoislands were synthesized using a dedicated process, devised to define nanostructures with magnetic order embedded in a paramagnetic matrix. Significant impact on the AFM domain configuration was observed. Extended domains were found to form along edges parallel to the in-plane <100> crystalline axes of the cubic substrate, with their AFM spin axis parallel to the edge. No such edge-imposed domain configuration was found for nanoislands defined with the edges at 45° with the in-plane crystalline axes. Epitaxial constraints on the film crystalline structure appear to play an important role in the formation of the edge-bound extended AFM domains. The data indicate a magnetostatic origin of this domain reconfiguration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Lanthanum / chemistry*
  • Magnetics*
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • ferric oxide
  • Lanthanum