MICROSTRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION OF AS-DEPOSITED CO-AG NANO-GRANULAR FILMS

The microstructures of as-deposited Co-Ag nano-granular films are char acterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and h igh-resolution electron microscopy. In as-deposited films, there is a strong tendency for phase separation to occur; Co and Ag particles coe xist in the films. The average size of Co grains varies with the Co co ncentration. Ag particles have the preferential lattice orientation [1 10] and Co particles have lattice orientations [110], [111], [112], an d [100] in the direction of the film surface normal. There is a tenden cy for two connecting grains to have two groups of parallel lattice pl anes.