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Tuning the Magnetic Anisotropy at a Molecule-Metal Interface
K Bairagi1, A Bellec1, V Repain1
1Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, UMR CNRS 7162, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France.
Physical Review Letters
|July 22, 2015
Summary
A fullerene (C60) overlayer boosts the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of cobalt thin films, causing an inverse spin reorientation transition. This effect stems from interfacial magnetic anisotropy driven by C60/Co orbital hybridization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is crucial for spintronic devices.
- Organic-inorganic interfaces offer tunable magnetic properties.
- Fullerenes (C60) are promising organic materials for interface engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of C60 overlayers on the magnetic anisotropy of cobalt (Co) thin films.
- To quantify the interfacial magnetic anisotropy at the C60/Co interface.
- To elucidate the microscopic origin of the observed magnetic anisotropy changes.
Main Methods:
- In situ quantitative measurement of interfacial magnetic anisotropy as a function of C60 coverage.
- Fabrication of Co thin films with C60 overlayers.
- Comparison with state-of-the-art ab initio calculations.
Main Results:
- A C60 overlayer enhances the PMA of Co thin films.
- An inverse spin reorientation transition from in-plane to out-of-plane magnetization was observed.
- Interfacial anisotropy arises from local hybridization between C60 p(z) and Co d(z(2)) orbitals.
- Hybridization of C60 with Fe(110) surfaces decreases PMA, demonstrating tunability.
Conclusions:
- C60 overlayers can be used to enhance PMA in ferromagnets.
- Orbital hybridization at organic-inorganic interfaces is a key mechanism for controlling magnetic anisotropy.
- This work provides a pathway for tailoring interfacial magnetic anisotropy in organic-ferromagnet systems for spintronic applications.
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