Diverse effects of two-dimensional and step flow growth mode induced microstructures on the magnetic anisotropies of SrRuO3 thin films

Geometrical anisotropy axes of diverse SrRuO3 (SRO) films grown by random and directional two-dimensional and step flow modes are determined and their characteristic angular magnetizations are understood in terms of growth mode induced structural effects. Two-dimensional SRO films possess single-crystal-like structural qualities. Angular magnetization measurements show sharp minima and indicate the films’ easy axis to be in the [310] direction. In contrast, examination of step flow SRO films shows the presence of degenerate multiple in-plane domains and the anisotropy axis in a direction close to [110] even though directional surface steps are clearly visible.