Nb1−yFe2+y thin film growth and characterization

• Published in: Journal of physics. Condensed matter Vol. 24; no. 19
• Main Authors: Reisner, A, Scheerbaum, N, Schultz, L, Haindl, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 16.05.2012; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Laser deposition; Materials science; Methods of deposition of films and coatings; film growth and epitaxy; Physics; Structure and morphology; thickness; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thin film structure and morphology; Thin films; Stoichiometry; Magnetization; Niobium alloys; Pulsed laser deposition; Hall effect; Iron alloys; XRD; Microstructure; Texture; Orientation relation
• ISSN: 0953-8984; 1361-648X
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/19/196001

We report on the growth of c-axis oriented thin films of NbFe2 prepared by pulsed laser deposition. Variation of the deposition conditions results in variation of the composition of the Nb1−yFe2+y films in the range from Nb rich to Fe rich films. Films near the stoichiometric composition (y 0) are the most interesting. However, microstructural investigations of these films reveal two kinds of grain, which exhibit different shape, epitaxial relation and chemical composition. The different chemical compositions of opposing doping character result in two magnetic phases confirmed by means of magnetization and Hall measurements. This investigation demonstrates the possibility of NbFe2 thin film growth and discusses the microstructural inhomogeneities occurring.