Unlocking the potential of half-metallic Sr2FeMoO6 films through controlled stoichiometry and double-perovskite ordering

Phase-pure, fully epitaxial Sr2FeMoO6 films with a high degree of Fe/Mo ordering have been fabricated using ultrahigh vacuum sputtering and verified by a variety of techniques. Through identifying and controlling critical factors, such as stoichiometry, phase purity, and double-perovskite ordering, that complicate the growth of Sr2FeMoO6 films, we demonstrate characteristics of high-quality Sr2FeMoO6 films that have not been shown before. Our results include the first report of distinct magnetic shape anisotropy and via scanning transmission electron microscopy, the first direct observation of clear Fe/Mo ordering within the double perovskite framework.