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Systematical study of novel nano-magnetic materials


EMSL Project ID
15895

Abstract

The objective of this research is to systematically study novel nano-magnetic materials. In particular, nano-sized FeAlN thin films newly formed will be provided by Alfred University to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the study. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the studies will involve utilizations of Rutherford Backscattering
Spectroscopy (RBS) and Elastic Recoil Detection (ERD).


The following materials will be investigated:
1. FeAlN and FeAl thin films with Fe/Al ratio varying from 95/5 to 5/95 in weight;
2. Multilayer thin films, such as FeAlN/AlN, FeAl/AlN and Fe/AlN.

Why interesting:
In our previous work, nano-magnetic FeAl, FeAlO and FeAlN films with various Fe/Al ratios were fabricated via a sputtering technique. It was observed that the magnetic properties of these films are related to chemical composition, film thickness and fabrication conditions. It was also observed that the iron concentration in the films is generally lower than the nominal value in the corresponding target. However, phase formation, depth profile and microstructure of these films with various Fe/Al ratios are not clear. RBS at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will provide information related to chemical composition as a function of depth in the films. Density or thickness of the thin films is of interest to us. Time-of-Flight (ToF) ERD at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will provide information related to surface chemical compositions of the thin films. Obtaining such information is of importance to understand the novel nano-magnetic materials.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2005-08-01
End Date
2007-07-06
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Xingwu Wang
Institution
Alfred University

Team Members

Yuandan Liu
Institution
Alfred University