Epitaxial MnF2 layers were grown on CaF2/Si(lll) substrates using molecular
beam epitaxy. Layer-by-layer growth was observed at room temperature. The
first three molecular layers of MnF2 have cubic fluorite lattice inherited
from CaF2. Thicker layers have tetragonal lattice of rutile with (110) plan
e parallel to the substarte surface and [001] axis along [110] directions o
f CaF2. Thus there are three orientations of rotational domains in the MnF2
layer. At a temperature higher than 400 degrees C, nucleation begins with
three-dimensional clusters which are aligned with respect to steps on CaF2
surface. After coalescence of the clusters, single domain film can be obtai
ned. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.