Structure and magnetic properties of Fe/X (X = An, Ag, Cu) epitaxial multilayer films grown on MgO(011) substrates

Fe/X (X = Au, Ag, Cu) epitaxial multilayer films were prepared on MgO(011) substrates by alternate deposition of Fe and X atomic layers, varying the composition of Fe/X from the ratio around L1(0) phase stoichiometry (Fe : X = 50 : 50) to X-rich region. The effects of X atom on the formation of L1(0) ordered phase were investigated. FeAu(011)(L10) films with the easy magnetization direction canted from the perpendicular direction to the film plane were obtained on the MgO(011) substrates. The lattice constants of the L1(0) ordered FeAu alloy were estimated to be a = 0.407 +/- 0.012 nm and c = 0.388 +/- 0.011 nm, respectively. A stronger X-ray diffraction intensity of L1(0) phase is observed in an Au-rich compositional region. No evidence of L1(0) ordered phase formation is recognized for the Fe/Ag and the Fe/Cu systems.