Microstructural evolution and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe films prepared in a high magnetic field

In this study we have explored how a high magnetic field (HMF) affects the structure and magnetic properties of Fe thin films fabricated on Si (100) substrates at various substrate temperatures by using a thermal evaporation method. At a substrate temperature of room temperature (RT), the HMF increased the width of column and the formation energy of the films. This behavior occurred because the HMF induced an excess energy-Zeeman energy which is larger than the sum of the kinetic energy and thermal energy of Fe without the HMF. This increased the particle size and decreased the roughness of the film deposited at RT and 6 T. When the substrate temperature was increased to 400 degrees C, the growth mode is changed from columnar (RT) to layered (400 degrees C). The HMF increased the grain size. The film deposited at RT and 6 T had much improved soft magnetic properties from its modified microstructure. While thermal disturbances decreased the effect of HMF on the magnetic properties of the film deposited at 400 degrees C. In particular, the influence of HMF on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe films is significant not in the evaporation stage but in the condensation process of film. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.