LOWERED INTERDIFFUSIVITY IN THIN AMORPHOUS NI-ZR FILMS WITH LARGE COMPOSITION GRADIENTS

Using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, the interdiffusion in amorphous Ni-Zr thin films with large concentration gradients has been studied. The interdiffusion coefficient is found to depend on the concentration gradient. In the thinner films with steeper gradients, lowered interdiffusivities are observed. These experimental findings appear to be in accordance with predictions from Stephenson's model, in which stresses can lower the interdiffusion over short distances in alloys with high viscosity.