Magnetic and chemical properties of Cr-based films grown on GaAs(001)
We have investigated the magnetic and chemical properties of very thin Cr films, CrAs, and arsenized Cr grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Ga As (001), using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry. Distintic preparation procedures have been used with the purpose to undestand the origin of the ferromagneti signal observed for this system. It results that Ga segregation and chemical reactivity between Ga and Cr have negligible contribution in the formation of different thi films. A clear ferromagnetic response even at room temperature suggests the existence of a very thin interfacial layer formed that can eventually be burid during the growth process.