Abstract:
We set out to compare the ferromagnetic behavior of ₁ and CoₓNi(1−ₓ) films of varying stoichiometry epitaxially grown on Cu(100). The thickness chosen was 5 ML over a wide alloy composition range. Using a scaling law for the thickness vs Curie temperature, we extrapolate the bulk fcc film thickness and plot the bulk fcc Curie temperature as a function of composition. The results suggest (a) that the Invar effect is quenched in these ultrathin pseudomorphic fcc films of FeₓNi(1−ₓ) alloys and (b) the magnetic phase of Fe atoms is the low‐spin ferromagnetic phase. The CoₓNi(1−ₓ) films show the expected monotonic decrease in Tc with increasing Ni content.
