Comparative study of interfaces of Fe–Al multilayers prepared by direct and crossed-beam pulsed laser deposition

Abstract

Fe/Al multilayers with different composition were prepared by conventional, direct-pulsed laser deposition (DPLD) and crossed-beam pulsed laser deposition (CBPLD). Films were studied by means of X-ray reflectometry, wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption fine structure experiments. Ballistic simulations of the deposition processes were performed. It is found that adjacent Fe and Al layers are partially intermixed during the deposition, forming Fe–Al transition layers of a few nm in thickness. Both DPLD and CBPLD multilayers have comparable interfaces. In Fe-rich layers, a b.c.c. solid solution is formed. Al-rich layers of approximately 5 nm in nominal thickness are amorphous. DPLD samples have a higher Al content and a significant number of incorporated Al droplets.