Influence of epitaxial strain on the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of Fe/MgO systems

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in ferromagnet/oxide systems has attracted considerable attention owing to its significant potential spintronic applications; however, an understanding of the causes PMA enhancement such remains inadequate. This study investigates influence epitaxial strain on Fe/MgO system. The energy increases monotonically as in-plane lattice constant Fe decreases, and further after annealing. We find that interface component is largely unaffected by annealing process, changes bulk play important role. leads a comprehensive voltage-controlled effects ultrathin films.