Fabrication of Copper Selenate Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition*

Cu₂OSeO₃ is a rare material with properties that are highly desirable for spintronic devices: it is an insulating ferrimagnet that also hosts magnetic skyrmions. Previous investigations of Cu₂OSeO₃ have emphasized single crystals. However, skyrmions are typically more stable in thin films than in bulk materials. Also, thin films are more suitable for device applications than single crystals. In this research, we present results of using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to fabricate thin films of Cu₂OSeO₃, specifically accounting for the high disparity in vapor pressure between the reactants CuO and SeO₂. Data showing the film's magnetic properties, crystallography, and electrical properties are presented.