The magnetic behavior of Co and Fe granular films was studied relative to their host matrix environment (BN, SiO2). The crystal structure of Co and Fe in the as-deposited samples is α-Co (hcp) and α-Fe (bcc) respectively, with particle sizes ranging between 3 and 9 nm. The coercivities measured ranged from a few tens to a few hundreds Oe, with the higher values observed for particles embedded in the oxygen based matrix.
Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) values were measured in thin films of Fe and Co in Ag. The best GMR results were observed in Ag-rich specimens, with maxima of 25% (30 K) and 14% (20 K) observed in Co20Ag80 and Fe25Ag75, respectively. Magnetic data indicate a spin glasslike behavior in the as-deposited Ag-rich films. The as-made samples have a nanostructure, with a face centered cubic structure. Annealing of the samples over the temperature range of 200 °C to 700 °C led to grain growth and subsequent phase separation of the constituent metals. A summary of the magnetic and electrical transport properties is presented, in relation to the crystal structure and microstructure of the TM-Ag films (TM=Fe,Co).
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