Exploring the thin film growth of Fe3Sn2 and Fe5Sn3 binary films using magnetron co-sputtering

Fe-Sn binary magnets, such as Fe₃Sn₂ and Fe₅Sn_3, have been identified as a rich set of materials to explore due to their non-trivial band structure originating from topology, while their high magnetic ordering temperature eliminates a fundamental roadblock for device applications. Establishing thin film growth process is also essential to achieve their application potential. So far, thin film growth of such systems is limited to Fe3Sn2, which has the kagome structure. In this work, we will explore the thin film growth of phase-pure Fe3Sn2 and Fe5Sn3 using magnetron co-sputtering. Stoichiometry will be controlled carefully to achieve the appropriate Fe:Sn ratio for the compounds, and a thorough study of growth and annealing temperature and time will be conducted. Appropriate buffer layers will be implemented to promote epitaxial growth. The structure will be examined using X-ray diffraction, and room temperature magnetic properties will be analyzed using the magneto-optical Kerr effect. Additional transport and magnetrotransport measurements will be presented on the materials.