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Sputter Growth and Characterization of Metamagnetic B2-ordered FeRh Epilayers
Published on: October 5, 2013
Structure, morphology and magnetization of Fe-Pd thin films
1Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 4, 2008
Summary
This study investigated iron-palladium (Fe-Pd) thin films, revealing structural and magnetic property changes with varying palladium content. Findings suggest surface morphology and grain size influence magnetic behavior in these Fe-Pd films.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Thin Film Technology
Background:
- Iron-palladium (Fe-Pd) alloys are technologically significant for their magnetic and structural properties.
- Understanding the relationship between composition, structure, and magnetism is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of Fe(100-x)Pd(x) thin films.
- To correlate changes in composition (varying palladium content) with observed material characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Thin film preparation of Fe(100-x)Pd(x) with x = 24-35.
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis and lattice spacing determination.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology and roughness assessment.
- In-plane magnetization measurements up to 30 kOe.
Main Results:
- Lattice spacing (d111) increased with palladium content, attributed to the larger atomic radius of Pd.
- Surface roughness ranged from 2-4 nm (AFM); SEM revealed undulations possibly due to shape memory twin variants in Fe71Pd29.
- Saturation magnetization varied, with values around 1300 emu/cc for most samples and 950 emu/cc for Fe71Pd29.
- Remanence ratio was between 50-70%; coercivity behavior was linked to nanometer-sized grain effects.
Conclusions:
- Compositional changes significantly impact the structural and magnetic properties of Fe-Pd thin films.
- Surface morphology, including undulations, and grain size are key factors influencing the magnetic behavior (coercivity, magnetization) of these films.
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