Nano-faceting of Cu capping layer grown on Fe/Si (111) and its effect on magnetic anisotropy

We represent a report on the growth and structure of Cu capping layer on ultrathin Fe films on Si (111) substrate as well as its effect on magnetic anisotropy. Cu grows as forming triangular-shaped pyramids with nano-facets and in epitaxial mode with Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation. Spin reorientation transition (SRT) from out-of-plane to in-plane of Fe films is induced by Cu capping, which is believed to be mainly affected by strain change in Fe films. Based on strain relief mechanism, rapid decrease in Cu critical thickness to induce SRT with increasing Fe underlayer thickness can be interpreted quite well. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4764870]