Synthesis of Co$_{1-x}$Fe$_{2+x}$O$_{4}$: Towards Spin Polarized Ferrites

Ferrites are promising materials for spintronic devices, since they are predicted to exhibit high spin polarizations [1]. Thin-film cobalt ferrite (CoFe$_{2}$O$_{4})$ has a large saturation magnetization and magnetic coercivity, but is insulating [2]. In this work, epitaxial Co$_{1-x}$Fe$_{2+x}$O$_{4}$ thin films are grown by MBE on Fe$_{3}$O$_{4}$(001) and MgO(001), where a fraction of the Co$^{2+}$ ions are replaced with Fe$^{2+}$. LEED, RHEED and XRD confirm the crystal structure. Stoichiometry and cation valence states are ascertained by XPS, and the electronic structure near the Fermi level is determined by UPS. We show that, by varying the stoichiometry of Co$_{1-x}$Fe$_{2+x}$O$_{4}$, we can tailor its electronic properties, which may lead to a conductive, spin polarized ferrite. [1] J. Cibert, et al., C.R. Physique \textbf{6} (2005) 977. [2] W. Huang, et al., J. Crystal Growth \textbf{300} (2007) 426.