Effects of Laser Energy on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Nanocomposites

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) materials possess many unique properties, including ferromagnetism. These properties can be used for spintronic applications, such as high density data storage or magnetoresistive random-access memory. Vertical iron pillars within La0.5Sr0.5FeO3 have been studied before, but work remains to optimize their growth for practical spintronic applications. In this study, (La0.5Sr0.5FeO3)0.94:(Fe2O3)0.06 targets were created and deposited onto SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Laser energy was varied between 300 and 450 mJ. The results suggest that deposition energy plays an important role in the formation of microstructures, and by extension, their magnetic properties. This study explores the effects deposition energy has on microstructure and ferromagnetic properties in VAN thin films, thereby making more precise property-control possible. This introduces the potential for further studies, such as varying target stoichiometry or deposition frequency.