Structural characterization of thin Co/Cu superlattices

David Smith, A. R. Modak, S. S P Parkin

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    2 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    High-resolution electron microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure of thin Co/Cu metallic multilayers grown on Si(100) substrates by dc magnetron sputtering. The nature of the buffer layer between the silicon wafer and the multilayer had a significant effect on the structural integrity of the multilayer. An increase in grain size was observed as a function of Cu layer thickness, with grain sizes typically being at least 3-4 times the bilayer period. A high degree of structural ordering was observed in superlattices comprised of thicker Cu layer with large grains often spanning the complete multilayer stack. Complementary magnetic measurements enabled the microstructure to be related to the oscillatory exchange coupling and large magnetoresistance exhibited by these thin magnetic films.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Title of host publicationMultilayers and Surfaces
    PublisherPubl by Materials Research Society
    Pages437-442
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Print)1558992111, 9781558992115
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1993
    EventProceedings of the 1993 MRS Spring Meeting on Magnetic Ultrathin Films - San Francisco, CA, USA
    Duration: Apr 12 1993Apr 16 1993

    Publication series

    NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
    Volume313
    ISSN (Print)0272-9172

    Other

    OtherProceedings of the 1993 MRS Spring Meeting on Magnetic Ultrathin Films
    CitySan Francisco, CA, USA
    Period4/12/934/16/93

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Materials Science
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • Mechanics of Materials
    • Mechanical Engineering

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