Fe–Cu granular thin films with giant magnetoresistance by thermionic vacuum arc method: Preparation and structural characterization

Simultaneous discharges of Fe and Cu metal sources by thermoionic vacuum arc (TVA) were used as a new procedure for preparation of granular Fe-Cu thin films with sensibly enhanced room temperature giant magnetoresistive effects. The possibilities to produce thin films with a wide range of structural and magneto-transport characteristics are emphasized. The structural aspects of granular Fe-Cu thin films deposited onto Kapton are investigated via X-ray diffractometry, atomic force microscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The magneto-transport properties are strongly related to composition, structure and magnetic interactions inside the films. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.