Structural, elastic, and transport anomalies in molybdenum/nickel superlattices

TLDR

Metallic superlattices of nickel and molybdenum were synthesized by alternate sputtering across a range of layer thicknesses. X‑ray analysis revealed fcc Ni and bcc Mo layers oriented along [111] and [110], respectively, and showed simultaneous anomalies in lattice spacing, elastic modulus, and resistivity at a specific superlattice wavelength, attributed to strain in the nickel lattice.

Abstract

Metallic superlattices of nickel and molybdenum have been synthesized for a wide range of layer thicknesses by alternate sputtering. X-ray examination shows that they are composed of layers of fcc nickel and bcc molybdenum oriented along [111] and [110] directions, respectively. Anomalies have been observed in the lattice spacings, elastic moduli, and electrical resistivity versus modulation wavelength. These anomalies occur simultaneously at the same superlattice wavelength. The anomalies have been interpreted as due to strains in the nickel lattice.