Direct investigation of the atomic structure and decreased magnetism of antiphase boundaries in garnet

The ferrimagnetic insulator iron garnets, tailored artificially with specific compositions, have been widely utilized in magneto-optical (MO) devices. The adjustment on synthesis always induces structural variation, which is underestimated due to the limited knowledge of the local structures. Here, by analyzing the structure and magnetic properties, two different antiphase boundaries (APBs) with individual interfacial structure are investigated in substituted iron garnet film. We reveal that magnetic signals decrease in the regions close to APBs, which implies degraded MO performance. In particular, the segregation of oxygen deficiencies across the APBs directly leads to reduced magnetic elements, further decreases the magnetic moment of Fe and results in a higher absorption coefficient close to the APBs. Furthermore, the formation of APBs can be eliminated by optimizing the growth rate, thus contributing to the enhanced MO performance. These analyses at the atomic scale provide important guidance for optimizing MO functional materials.