Nb sub(1-y)Fe sub(2+y) thin film growth and characterization

We report on the growth of c-axis oriented thin films of NbFe sub(2) prepared by pulsed laser deposition. Variation of the deposition conditions results in variation of the composition of the Nb sub(1-y)Fe sub(2+y) films in the range from Nb rich to Fe rich films. Films near the stoichiometric composition (y [asymptotically = to] 0) are the most interesting. However, microstructural investigations of these films reveal two kinds of grain, which exhibit different shape, epitaxial relation and chemical composition. The different chemical compositions of opposing doping character result in two magnetic phases confirmed by means of magnetization and Hall measurements. This investigation demonstrates the possibility of NbFe sub(2) thin film growth and discusses the microstructural inhomogeneities occurring.