Study of iron nitride thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

Thin films of iron nitrides were deposited by pulsed laser deposition at di fferent nitrogen pressures. Depositions were done both in the presence as w ell as absence of glow-discharge around the substrate. Films deposited with out glow-discharge were essentially ferromagnetic in nature and exhibited a structural evolution from b.c.c.-->b.c.t.-->f.c.c.-->h.c.p.--> orthorhombi c phases as the nitrogen pressure during the deposition increased. As a res ult of glow-discharge during the deposition process, increased nitridation is obtained and formation of new-cubic-type Fe-N phases occur. (C) 2001 Els evier Science BV All rights reserved.