In situ ordering of FePt thin films by using Ag/Si and Ag/Mn/sub 3/Si/Ag/Si templates

In situ ordering of FePt thin films by sputtering onto Ag/Si and Ag/Mn/sub 3/Si/Ag/Si templates has been demonstrated. Due to the evolution from island-like to a continuous film structure as a function of Ag thickness, the ordering and orientation of the FePt films both change with Ag thickness. A continuous [002] Ag film results in a greater L1/sub 0/ phase formation with c-axis oriented both perpendicular to and in the film plane while the island-like Ag template results in less L1/sub 0/ phase formation, but a preferential c-axis orientation in the film plane. On the other hand, the FePt films deposited onto the Ag/Mn/sub 3/Si/Ag/Si template have their c axes aligned perpendicular to the film plane.