Abstract
Bulk and local magnetic properties were studied in [1 nm B + 1 nm 57Fe + x nm Ag]5, x = 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10, multilayer samples. Although Ag does not mix with either of the other two elements the magnetic properties of the multilayers are strongly influenced by the Ag thickness below x = 5, whereas no such effect is observed above this value. The Mössbauer measurements indicate a complete amorphization of the thin Fe layers in each sample, as a result of intermixing with the B layers. The variation of the magnetic properties is explained by the variation of the average B concentration of the amorphous Fe–B layers, which depends on the thickness of the Ag barrier layers. The magnetization measurements indicate ferromagnetic behaviour of the ultra-thin amorphous layers with the presence of less than 10% superparamagnetic moments for x = 5 and 10. The average B concentration of the amorphous Fe–B alloy, as estimated from the Fe hyperfine fields, is around 40 at%. It is significantly lower than the 60 at% nominal B concentration, suggesting the presence of an unalloyed B layer, as well. This picture is supported by transmission electron microscopy investigations which reveal two amorphous layers of different B concentration in between the crystalline Ag layers.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Alloys and Compounds |
Volume | 509 (1) |
Pages (from-to) | 188-192 |
ISSN | 0925-8388 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Event | 17th International Symposium on Metastable, Amorphous and Nanostructured Materials - Zurich, Switzerland Duration: 4 Jul 2010 → 9 Jul 2010 Conference number: 17 |
Conference
Conference | 17th International Symposium on Metastable, Amorphous and Nanostructured Materials |
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Number | 17 |
Country/Territory | Switzerland |
City | Zurich |
Period | 04/07/2010 → 09/07/2010 |