Reflection high energy electron diffraction intensity oscillations in Fe3O4/MgO superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Fe3O4/MgO superlattices are grown on MgO(001) substrates. Modulation coherency and sharp interface structures are observed by X-ray diffraction and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The RHEED intensity oscillations of the specular and Bragg scattering provide direct evidence that structurally smooth interfaces can be maintained over many bilayers. Similar superlattices are also grown on an Fe-coated MgO(001) substrate for comparison and although the interface is relatively rough due to the misfit between the film and substrate, the modulation coherency is still maintained. RHEED intensity oscillations allow direct microscopic observations of the growth mode which is important for the further development of oxide superlattices.