Surface morphology and local magnetic properties of electrodeposited thin iron layers

Thin iron layers with different thickness were prepared by electrodepositio n on the polycrystalline substrate. The surface morphology of the layers, t heir structure and local magnetic properties were studied using scanning tu nneling microscopy (STM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and conversion electron M ossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). STM studies revealed the granular structure o f the surface of the electrodeposited iron layers with the roughness up to 10 nm. XRD analysis proved that these layers were highly strained. The CEMS spectra showed an in-plane magnetic anisotropy in the iron layers. Isomer shift of the electrodeposited iron was different than that of the alpha -Fe . This difference was attributed to the internal stresses existing in the e lectrodeposited layers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.