The interaction of Fe on MgO(1 0 0) surfaces

Abstract

The atomic interaction and magnetic properties of ultrathin Fe films grown on cleaved and polished MgO(1 0 0) surfaces were studied by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). 57Fe layers were deposited as probe atoms in different layer positions in 10 ML thick Fe films. Fe layers of different thicknesses were formed on polished and cleaved substrate surfaces at RT deposition. The analysis of the spectra showed no Fe–O2- interaction in MgO/Fe interface. FeO phase formation was excluded. The Mössbauer spectrum of 5 ML 57Fe sample showed enhanced internal magnetic field at 80 K. No interdiffusion of 57Fe and 56Fe atoms was observed between the layers at room temperature