MAGNETIC AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNETITE (FE3O4)-BASED FILMS AND DEVICES

Abstract

A combined experimental and first-principles study is performed to investigate and improve magnetic and electrical properties of magnetite (Fe3O4)-based films. Exceptional magnetic properties are achieved for Fe3O4-based films demonstrating great potential for high-frequency, magnetic and spintronic applications. Furthermore, Fe3O4-based spintronic and non-volatile memory (NVM) devices are developed for information storage. Wet-chemical thermal decomposition method grows epitaxial tetragonal Fe3O4-based films on MgO with high saturation magnetization above 1 Tesla and fabricates heterostructure of Fe3O4 nanocolumn film on Ni with spin-valve-like magnetoresistance (MR). This work deepens the understanding on the physical properties of Fe3O4 and opens up new opportunities to apply Fe3O4 in spintronic devices and next-generation non-volatile memories.