MAGNETISM OF FE THIN-LAYERS ON GAAS(001)

We study the magnetic properties of Fe thin films epitaxially grown on GaAs (001) for a large range of substrate temperature. Magnetization deficiency has been detected and studied. Its dependence with both thi ckness and temperature clearly show the existence of a nearly half-mag netized phase at the interface, covered by ''as-bulk'' Fe. In order to inhibit this interdiffusion, we study several methods. Using previous O-3 oxidation of GaAs, the Fe layer is fully magnetized even for depo sition at 200 degrees C. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.