Thermal stability and corrosion resistance of the magnetic anisotropy in ultrathin nanopatterned films

We addressed the thermal stability and corrosion resistance of the magnetic anisotropy of surface-step atoms in nanopatterned ultrathin Fe/Ag(001) films. The step-induced anisotropy was remarkably stable, in ultrahigh vacuum, for flashing temperature up to 520 K, but showed no resistance to atmospheric oxidation. Capping the nanopatterned films with ultrathin chromium overlayers allowed to preserve the magnetic anisotropy due to step atoms while extending its thermal stability to above 670 K and greatly enhancing its resistance under oxidizing atmospheric environment.