Evidence for two-dimensional spin-glass ordering in submonolayer Fe films on cleaved InAs surfaces.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) are crucial for advanced electronic devices.
• Understanding magnetic interactions at surfaces is key to novel spintronic applications.
• Indium arsenide (InAs) surfaces provide a unique platform for studying electron behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the magnetic properties of iron (Fe) films on InAs(110) surfaces.
• To explore the formation and characteristics of 2DEGs under Fe coverage.
• To identify phenomena related to magnetic ordering in ultrathin Fe films.

Main Methods:

• Magnetotransport measurements were conducted at low temperatures (1.7 K).
• Experiments involved studying 2DEGs on InAs(110) surfaces with submonolayer Fe coverage.
• Analysis focused on magnetoresistance hysteresis and time-dependent relaxation.

Main Results:

• Hysteresis in magnetoresistance was observed at 1.7 K for 0.42 monolayer Fe coverage.
• A difference in remanent magnetoresistance between zero-field-cooling and field-cooling was detected.
• Logarithmic time-dependent relaxation after magnetic field sweeps was clearly evident.

Conclusions:

• The observed magnetotransport features are attributed to spin-glass ordering in the Fe film.
• This suggests the formation of a magnetic ordered phase within the Fe overlayer.
• The study highlights the interplay between magnetism and the 2DEG at the InAs surface.