Metastable phase equilibrium during solid-state amorphization reaction of Zr-Co layers

The crystal-glass transition of Co--Zr layers via interdiffusion has been followed by Rutherford-backscattering spectrometry and X-ray-diffraction analysis. Thin-film multilayer samples of cobalt and Zr were annealed at 250 deg C for different times up to 21 h. Planar growth of the amorphous layer is observed. The changes in the concentration profiles, as observed with Rutherford-backscattering spectrometry, in combination with corresponding X-ray analysis, indicate an interstitial solid solution of approx = 3 at.% Co in crystalline Zr probably preceding the glass transition. This effect is discussed in the context of a metastable phase diagram. 23 ref.--AA