Second Harmonic Generation Response in Thermally reconstructed Multiferroic β′- Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) Thin Films

Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) (GMO) is a well-studied multiferroic material that exhibits full ferroelectric and ferroelastic behavior at room temperature. However, its difficult stabilization in thin films has prevented the study and exploitation of its multiferroic properties in different architectures. Here, we report on the study of GMO thin films deposited on Si(001) substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The physicochemical properties of the films are discussed and studied. Results obtained by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution transmission microscopy and second harmonic generation show that the orthorhombic (β′-GMO) multiferroic phase can be stabilized and homogenized by post deposition thermal reconstruction. Finally, the reconstruction process takes place via a complex surface mechanism with a clear leaf-like behavior.