Study of the low temperature ordering of L1–Fe–Pt in Fe/Pt multilayers

Abstract

In order to clarify the formation process of L10 Fe–Pt ordered phase in Fe (tFe)/Pt (tPt) multilayers, we have evaluated the activation energy of ordering (QS) and of atomic interdiffusion at Fe/Pt interfaces (QD). QS for the multilayers takes a minimum value of ∼0.7 eV when tFe=tPt, much lower than that of Fe–Pt disordered alloy films (1.2 eV). This value is almost the same with the activation energy QD of atomic interdiffusion at Fe/Pt interfaces. From these results, it is concluded that the interdiffusion at Fe/Pt interfaces which occurs at relatively low temperature dominates the formation process of L10 Fe–Pt in Fe/Pt multilayers.