Structural and magnetic properties of Fe3−xMnxO4 films

Abstract Fe 3 O 4 (magnetite) has been suggested as a half-metal material. On the other hand, Mn 3 O 4 has an extremely strong anisotropy effect. Using plasma–oxygen-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, we are able to grow Fe 3 O 4 , Mn 3 O 4 and a series of Fe 3− x Mn x O 4 (0⩽ x ⩽3) films on MgO (0 0 1) and (0 1 1), with epitaxial quality. A cubic-to-tetragonal structural transformation is observed first time in Fe 3− x Mn x O 4 films. The magnetic response also shows an abrupt change of magnetic anisotropy and high coercivity, which is consistent with structural transition.