Atomic arrangements in an amorphous CoFeB ribbon extracted via an analysis of radial distribution functions

Pussi, K.; Barbiellini, B.; Ohara, K.; Yamada, H.; Dwivedi, J.; Bansil, A.; Gupta, A.; Kamali, S.

doi:10.1088/1361-648x/ac1238

Title: Atomic arrangements in an amorphous CoFeB ribbon extracted via an analysis of radial distribution functions

Journal Article · 22 July 2021 · Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648x/ac1238 · OSTI ID:1849741

^[1];

^[2]; Ohara, K. ^[3]; Yamada, H. ^[3]; Dwivedi, J. ^[4]; Bansil, A. ^[5]; Gupta, A. ^[6];

^[7]

Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland); OSTI
Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland)
Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Hyogo (Japan)
Devi Ahilya University, Indore (India)
Northeastern University, Boston, MA (United States)
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun (India)
University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN (United States); Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN (United States)

Here we discuss the atomic structure of amorphous ferromagnetic FeCoB alloys, which are used widely in spintronics applications. Specifically, we obtain the pair-distribution functions for various atomic pairs based on high-energy x-ray diffraction data taken from an amorphous Co₂₀Fe₆₁B₁₉ specimen. We start our reverse Monte Carlo cycles to determine the disordered structure with a two-phase model in which a small amount of cobalt is mixed with Fe₂₃B₆ as a second phase. The structure of the alloy is found to be heterogeneous, where the boron atoms drive disorder through the random occupation of the atomic network. Our analysis also indicates the presence of small cobalt clusters that are embedded in the iron matrix and percolating the latter throughout the structure. This morphology can explain the enhanced spin polarization observed in amorphous magnetic materials.

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Research Organization:: Northeastern University, Boston, MA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: Academy of Finland; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231; FG02-07ER46352

OSTI ID:: 1849741

Journal Information:: Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter, Journal Name: Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter Journal Issue: 39 Vol. 33; ISSN 0953-8984

Publisher:: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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