Ni and NiFe nanocrystalline films prepared with gas-deposition method

The magnetic properties and structures of Ni and NiFe nanocrystalline films prepared with the gas-deposition method (GDM) are investigated. From the results of STM and SEM, fine particles, approximately 10 nm in diameter, were seen in the films. Furthermore, aggregates several tens of nm in diameter, composed of the small particles, are also observed. The magnetization of the Ni nanocrystalline films is about 50 emu/g, or 90% of that of bulk Ni. Coercivity of the Ni nanocrystals ranged from 4 to 20 Oe. In the case of NiFe, the concentration of Fe is slightly increased as the evaporation temperature is increased.