DyFe2(110) nanostructures: Morphology and magnetic anisotropy

Single-crystalline DyFe2(110) nanosystems have been obtained by molecular-beam epitaxy. From reflection high-energy electron diffraction observations, the systems have been shown to grow in a Stranski–Krastanov mode. Depending on elaboration conditions (substrate temperature and nominal thickness), dots with anisotropic shape or continuous films with low surface roughness are obtained. Compared to the bulk compounds, the epitaxial systems are strained because of thermal differential contraction and exhibit modifications of easy-magnetization direction compared to bulk. The magnetization reversal process is correlated to the morphology of the layers.