Studying the Crucial Physical Characteristics Related to Surface Roughness and Magnetic Domain Structure in CoFeSm Thin Films

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of varying film thicknesses and annealing temperatures on the surface roughness and magnetic domain structure of CoFeSm thin films. The results revealed that as the film thickness increased, both the crystalline size and surface roughness decreased, leading to a reduction in coercivity (Hc) and improved magnetic contrast performance. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the presence of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and samarium (Sm) within the thin films. Notably, the 40 nm Co40Fe40Sm20 thin film annealed at 200 °C exhibited lower sheet resistance (Rs) and resistivity (ρ), indicating higher conductivity and a relatively higher maximum magnetic susceptibility (χac) at 50 Hz. These findings suggest that these films are well suited for low-frequency magnetic components due to their increased spin sensitivity. The 40 nm Co40Fe40Sm20 thin film, subjected to annealing at 200 °C, displayed a distinct stripe domain structure characterized by prominently contrasting dark and bright patterns. It exhibited the lowest Hc and the highest saturation magnetization (Ms), leading to a significant improvement in their soft magnetic properties. It is proposed that the surface roughness of the CoFeSm thin films plays a crucial role in shaping the magnetic properties of these thin magnetic films.

Hydrophobic and Transparent Tantalum Pentoxide-Based Coatings for Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

“…Separation efficiency was maintained at 94% for different pollutants, suggesting good stability and durability with no respect to roughness [17]. Fern [30] showed the CoFeSm film thickness increased, decreasing the crystalline size and surface roughness. The surface roughness of the Co-Fe-Sm films plays a crucial role in shaping the magnetic properties of these thin magnetic films [30].…”

“…Fern [30] showed the CoFeSm film thickness increased, decreasing the crystalline size and surface roughness. The surface roughness of the Co-Fe-Sm films plays a crucial role in shaping the magnetic properties of these thin magnetic films [30].…”

“…Previously studied hydrophobic films showed crystalline structures, which means thermal treatments at high temperatures and implicit energy consumption [17,25,30]. The aim of this work is to develop non-crystalline coatings of the Ta 2 O 5 -ZnO type with hydrophobic (and implicitly self-cleaning) properties in order to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels over time.…”