The domain structure of ferromagnetic films electrodeposited on rolled copper substrates

Abstract

A series of nickel-iron alloy films in the thickness range 200–1500 Å has been prepared by electrodeposition from solutions of salts of the two metals. Rolled electropolished copper foil possessing a cube texture was used as substrate. All the f.c.c. films show an epitaxial crystal structure as in the work of previous authors on Permalloy. The grain structure of the b.c.c. layers is more complex, comprising four possible orientations of (110) crystallites in the foil plane: the grains have diameter 500–1000 Å. A model to account for the mechanism of the growth of this texture is tentatively suggested in an Appendix. Although constituted of very small particles the b.c.c. layers reveal an ordered domain configuration resembling closely that of a single crystal film of iron with a (100) orientation. The structure of the domains and the interaction with inclusions are discussed.