Evolution of structural and magnetic properties of Co-Fe based metallic glass thin films with thermal annealing

G. Pookat, H. Thomas, S. Thomas, S. H. Al-Harthi, L. Raghavan, I. A. Al-Omari, D. Sakthikumar, R. V. Ramanujan, M. R. Anantharaman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ultra thin films based on CoFe were prepared from a composite target employing thermal evaporation. The microstructure of the films was modified by thermal annealing. The relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties of the films was investigated using techniques like glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The GXRD and TEM investigations showed an onset of crystallization of CoFe at around 373. K. The magnetic softness of the films improved with thermal annealing but at higher annealing temperature it is found to be deteriorating. Annealing induced modification of surface morphology of the alloy thin films was probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface smoothening was observed with thermal annealing and the observed magnetic properties correlate well with surface modifications induced by thermal annealing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)246-251
Number of pages6
JournalSurface and Coatings Technology
Volume236
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 15 2013

Keywords

  • CoFe based thin films
  • Nanocrystallization
  • Surface smoothening
  • Thermal annealing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

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