Abstract
This article presents new ex situ techniques, as well as novel applications of conventional methods, to investigate phase transformations and associated microstructures in polycrystalline thin films. Specifically, we review the results of a dark-field transmission electron microscopy study of the disorder-order transformation thermodynamics and kinetics in CoPt and FePt thin films and, in addition, discuss the applications of differential scanning calorimetry to the interrogation of solid-state reactions in Nb/Al, Ni/Al, and Ti/Al systems. These investigations have naturally prompted the development of methods to analyze and better understand our experimental data. Thus, we also outline a new, automated image processing algorithm for transmission electron micrographs and discuss its implementation to interpret images of thin Al film microstructures. Further, as computer simulation has been employed to highlight important nucleation and growth parameters, we briefly summarize the results of these investigations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.