Stereometric Parameters of the Cu/Fe NPs Thin Films

Abstract

This paper analyses the three-dimensional (3-D) surface morphology of thin films of Fe on Cu nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering deposited on glass substrates. Four samples coated with copper and iron and deposited on the glass surface were used as research materials. Thin films were obtained by means of a DC reactive magnetron sputtering method. The copper coating of each sample was 55 nm thick. In addition, the second, third, and fourth samples had a coating of iron, with a thickness of 40, 55, and 70 nm, respectively. The sample surface images were obtained by using an atomic force microscope operating in a contactless mode. The 3-D of the surface samples was divided into motifs of significant peaks and pits using MountainsMap Premium software, which uses the watershed segmentation algorithm. In addition, the highest and lowest points of motifs are localized. The parameters relating to all the segmented motifs consistent with ISO 25178-2:2012 have been generated using the software. They allow for motif analysis, detection of essential characteristics, and their characterization in terms of surface dimensions, volume, curvature, shape, structure, etc. MountainsMap Premium software makes it possible to perform 3-D segmentation of sample surface images and identify all sorts of motifs, such as peaks, pits, or irregular shapes in correlation with the surface statistical parameters. The analysis of motifs helps to understand their functional role in the test surface, in order to evaluate the relation among the 3-D microtextured surface.