Epitaxy, magnetic and tunnel properties of transition metal/MgO(001) heterostructures

The main aspects of the fabrication and the structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial metal-insulator heterostructures are reviewed. Continuous and lithographically processed systems are discussed, with special emphasis on their crystalline nature when interpreting their physical properties. The work is placed within the scope of the previous and current activities by different groups on Fe/MgO(001), considered as a model system. The influence of deposition conditions on the epitaxy and morphology are discussed initially, correlating afterwards magnetic properties with crystalline structure. Subsequently, magnetic anisotropies and interactions are treated in both continuous and patterned film structures. Finally, the use of these fully epitaxial transition metal-insulator heterostructures for the development of magnetic tunnel junctions is described. (topical review)