Structure-Property Correlations in Electrochemically Deposited Co-Pt Alloy Films, Micro- and Nanostructures

该项目将通过对合成硬磁富钴钴铂合金薄膜、微纳米结构的电化学过程的基本科学理解，促进磁性器件技术的进步。研究工作将集中在衬底/电解质界面的生长现象、微观结构的形成以及这些材料的微观结构与磁性能之间的关系。特别注意的是，在电解质界面上增强的ad-原子动力学可能使在相对较低的温度下合成部分有序结构成为可能；本文将探讨利用电化学方法生长取向L10等原子合金（Co-Pt或Fe-Pt）的可能性。薄膜和纳米结构的磁性能将被详细研究，考虑到这些材料在磁记录或在微机电系统中作为磁性元件的可能应用。将处理与这些应用程序相关的处理问题。这项工作的智力价值在于发展了对决定Co-Pt电镀合金微观结构和磁性能的生长现象的全面科学理解。将讨论导致薄膜生长的化学、电化学和固态现象，并将由此产生的见解应用于改进手头的工艺，以及促进对电化学结晶现象的更好的科学理解。同时，对微观结构和磁性能的详细研究将为Co-Pt薄膜和结构的磁性能的起源以及它们在不同长度尺度上的行为提供基本的见解。非技术：磁性器件技术的关键进步将通过简单可靠的硬磁性材料微加工工艺的可用性而成为可能。一种可靠的硬磁材料合成和微加工工艺的成功开发将引发磁性器件的关键进展。将通过研究生实习和培养具有电化学处理经验和技能的学生来促进技术转让。本科生在PI实验室的实习，研究生在高科技公司的实习，以及本科生在电化学合成方面的实验室经验，将提供一系列活动，以传播和促进电化学和电化学处理方面的知识和兴趣，并产生该学科的专业知识。对Co-Pt合金体系生长现象的理解将为科学理解电化学生长过程的发展提供基础和刺激。参加课程和实习的研究生和本科生将培养对电化学过程和现象的力量和影响范围的认识，并将获得不常见但通常必要的技能，这些技能在高科技就业市场上很有用。

This project will contribute to progress in magnetic device technology by developing a fundamental scientific understanding of an electrochemical process for the synthesis of hard magnetic Co-rich Co-Pt alloy films, micro- and nanostructures. The research work will concentrate on growth phenomena at the substrate/electrolyte interface, the formation of microstructure, and the correlation between microstructure and magnetic properties in these materials. Particular attention will be devoted to the possibility that enhanced ad-atom dynamics at electrolyte interfaces might enable the synthesis of partly ordered structures at relatively low temperatures; the attendant implications on the possibility to grow oriented L10 equiatomic alloys (Co-Pt or Fe-Pt) by electrochemical methods will be explored. Magnetic properties of films and nanostructures will be investigated in detail, in view of possible applications of these materials in magnetic recording or as magnetic components in micro-electromechanical systems. Processing issues as they relate to these applications will be addressed. The intellectual merit of this work is in the development of a comprehensive scientific understanding of growth phenomena determining the microstructure and magnetic properties of Co-Pt electroplated alloys. Chemical, electrochemical and solid state phenomena leading to film growth will be addressed, and the resulting insight will be applied to improve the process at hand as well as to promote a better scientific understanding of electrochemical crystallization phenomena in general. In parallel, a detailed investigation of microstructure and magnetic properties will provide fundamental insight on the origin of the magnetic properties in Co-Pt films and structure, and on their behavior across different length scales. NON-TECHNICAL: Critical advancements in magnetic device technology will be made possible by the availability of simple and reliable processes for the micro-fabrication of hard magnetic materials. Successful development of a reliable process for the synthesis and micro-fabrication of hard magnetic materials would trigger critical advances in magnetic devices. Technology transfer will be facilitated through graduate internships and through the formation of students with experience and skills in electrochemical processing. Undergraduate internships in PI's laboratories, graduate internship in high-tech companies, and laboratory experiences in undergraduate courses, focused on electrochemical synthesis, will provide a series of activities to spread and promote knowledge and interest in electrochemistry and electrochemical processing, as well as generate expertise in the subject. The understanding of growth phenomena of the Co-Pt alloy system will provide the basis and stimulate the development of a scientific understanding of electrochemical growth processes in general. Graduate and undergraduate students involved in courses and in internships will develop an appreciation for the power and reach of electrochemical processes and phenomena, and will acquire uncommon but often required skills, useful in the high-tech job market.