Study of iron nitride thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

Thin films of iron nitrides were deposited by pulsed laser deposition at different nitrogen pressures. Depositions were done both in the presence as well as absence of glow-discharge around the substrate. Films deposited without 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.--> orthorhombic phases as the nitrogen pressure during the deposition increased. As a result of glow-discharge during the deposition process, increased nitridation is obtained and formation of new-cubic-type Fe-N phases occur. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BV All rights reserved.