Preparation of helimagnetic substrates for thin-film epitaxy of magnet-superconductor heterostructures
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: We have prepared substrates for thin-film deposition from Czochralski-grown MnSi and Fe 1 − x Co x Si single crystals. The crystals have been investigated using x-ray diffraction and oriented according to Laue patterns. From these crystals we have prepared substrates for thin film deposition by mechanical polishing and chemical etching procedures. The surface roughness of the prepared substrates has been investigated in terms of atomic force microscopy and is in the order of 1 nm. Thermal annealing followed by Ar-sputtering improves the quality of the surface which is evidenced by reflection high-energy electron diffraction analysis. Subsequently, Nb thin films with varying thickness ranging from 10 to 40 nm have been deposited using molecular-beam epitaxy. Transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy shows a homogenous film with 5 nm oxide layers at the interface between the substrate and the film as well as at the film surface.
Source: Materials Research Express
Institution: Technische Universität Braunschweig
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W7154478665