Growth and characterisation of metallic magnetic thin films on sulphur passivated iii-v semiconductor surfaces
FP4 — Training and Mobility of Researchers
- Duration
- 1997-01-13 → 1998-01-12
- EU contribution
- —
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- RGI
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Project objective
The past decade has witnessed enormous growth of interest in magnetic thin films both from an industrial and a scientific perspective. The former is mainly driven by demand for high density data storage devices and magnetic sensors, while scientific interest is stimulated by the novel effects that can occur at the surface. The vast majority of magnetic film growth has been metal single crystals rather than on semiconductors One of the primary reason for this is the interdiffusion of the metal film and the substrate elements, a process which is detrimental to the films magnetic properties. The solution is to develop suitable barrier layers or passivation techniques to arrest the intermixing. Recently it has been shown that ex-situ sulphur passivation GaAs can inhibit interdiffusion I The aim of this work is to grow epitaxial metallic thin films on low index III-V semiconductor surfaces which have been passivated in-situ with an atomic sulphur source. The effects of the process on the growth characteristics and magnetic properties of the overlaying films will be investigated. The films will be studied in-situ by a range of surface science technique including scanning tunneling microscopy and by ex-situ magnetic characterisation. The ability to grow films with good magnetic properties is essential to the development of useful devices. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The work entailed will extend the training the candidate has already received during the course of the fellowship while utilising the skills previously gained to advance the work of the host group. The use of semiconducting substrate materials will extend the candidates experience in surface physics, which to date has concentrated primarily on metallic systems. Also the range of surface science techniques available will extend and compliment those previously mastered. The proficiency already achieved in metallic magnetic thin films growth and in particular in their characterisation by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) can be used to progress the research work of the host group. The STM technique is a new tool for the host group, currently under development. The period will provide for the transfer of these skills and knowledge to the staff and students. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) The group has direct contacts with Seagate Technology in Derry, Northern Ireland on the work of this project. It also collaborating in research with Intel Ireland in the field of semiconductor processing.
Original text from CORDIS.
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