Preparation and characterization of Fe-Si-B thin films

Thickness dependence of structural and magnetic properties of Fe 79 Si 8 B 13 films has been studied using magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prepared films exhibit the presence of nanocrystalline α-Fe phase embedded in amorphous matrix. Magnetic measurements show their homogeneous nature (within film plane). Direction perpendicular to film plane is the hard direction of magnetization. A cross-sectional SEM measurement provides film thickness. SEM also reveals the granular structure of the films.