Phase-change control of ferromagnetism in GeTe-based phase change magnetic thin-films by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract

Phase change control of ferromagnetism in Ge₀.₉₈Fe₀.₀₂Te thin film prepared by pulsed laser deposition is investigated. The magnetic property of Fe doped phase change material GeTe is found to vary with phase change between amorphous and crystalline states corresponding to the variation of conductance during phase change. The results indicate that a fast control of ferromagnetism by phase change can be realized. The measurement of temperature dependent magnetization shows a long range ferromagnetic interaction in ordered crystalline phase and a short range ferromagnetic interaction in frustrated amorphous phase, which is consistent with phase change.