Papers by Author: Christine Goyhenex

Abstract: Superstructure transformation processes in intermetallics have beenstudied at the atomistic scale using Monte Carlo algorithms within two dis-tinct models: two-body interactions Ising-like system and Analytic Bond-Order Potentials. The transformation from “in-plane” to “off-plane” L10 vari-ant in [001]-oriented FePt nano-layers was observed and analysed by analyt-ical calculations providing clear explanation of the origin of the process, aswell as by “rigid-lattice” and “off-lattice” Monte Carlo simulations showingthe kinetics of the superstructure transformation.

Abstract: This paper highlights the role played by diffusion processes to achieve a better characterization of structure and dynamics in atomic-scale studies of materials. Two classes of examples are presented. In the first, we take advantage of diffusion coefficients to assess the performances of different exchange-correlation functionals employed within the framework of density functional theory. By calculating the diffusion coefficients one is able to make a choice on the functional best suited to describe a prototypical disordered system, liquid GeSe2. In the second class of examples, we rely on classical molecular dynamics to describe diffusion mechanism on nanostructured substrates. The migration of a Co adatom on a stepped Pt(111) surface is analyzed in detail and correlated to the value of the different diffusion barriers. The diffusion behavior of Au adatoms on the reconstructed Au(111) substrate is described in terms of diffusion isotropy and anisotropy, by comparison with the case of Co/Au(111). Taken altogether, these studies exemplify the close link between diffusion properties, a realistic description of materials and the current level of performances of atomic-scale simulations methods.

Abstract: Chemical ordering kinetics in L10- and B2-ordered AB binary intermetallics was simulated by means of Monte Carlo (MC) technique implemented with vacancy mechanism of atomic migration. While vacancy concentration is usually much lower than the antisite defect concentration in L10-ordered systems, triple defects are generated in particular B2–ordered systems. The latter definitely affects the chemical ordering process and requires that full thermal vacancy thermodynamics is involved in B2-ordering simulations. The study on L10-ordered binaries was dedicated to FePt thin layers considered as a material for ultra-high-density magnetic storage media. Metastability of the L10 c-variant with monoatomic planes parallel to the layer surface and off-plane easy magnetization was revealed. Thermal vacancy formation in B2-ordered binaries was modelled by implementing a mean-field Hamiltonian with a specific formalism of phase equilibria in a latticegas composed of atoms and vacancies. It was demonstrated that for particular pair-interaction energetics, equilibrium concentrations of vacancies and antisites result mutually proportional in well-defined temperature ranges. The MC simulations of B2-ordering kinetics involved the modelled equilibrium vacancy concentration and reproduced the experimentally observed low rate of the process.

Abstract: The L10 ordered MPt(001) thin films (M = Fe or Co) are very interesting for perpendicular recording due to their magnetic anisotropy and magneto-optical behaviours. Epitaxial L10-ordered NiPt(001) / FePt(001) bi-layers were co-deposited on MgO(100) substrates by MBE. The L10 order parameter is high with the concentration modulation along the growth direction. Some FeNiPt2(001) thin films were obtained by interdiffusion of the bilayers. The long-range-order parameter is conserved after interdiffusion (S = 0.75 ± 0.06), which can be explained by different mechanisms: a second-neighbour jump, a six-jump cycle, an anti-structural bridge mechanism or an antisite-pair elimination and creation mechanism, a double vacancy or a triple defect diffusion mechanism. Quenched molecular dynamics calculations in the frame of the second moment approximation of the tight binding method have been performed to obtain the energetic paths of the different mechanisms. The secondneighbour vacancy jump, the simultaneous jumps of bivacancies and the triple defect mechanisms can be ruled out for energetic reasons.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic L10 ordered alloys are extensively studied nowadays as good candidates for high density magnetic storage media due to their high magnetic anisotropy, related to their chemical order anisotropy. Epitaxial thin bilayers NiPt/FePt/MgO(001) have been grown at 700 K and annealed at 800 K and 900 K. At 800 K, the L10 long-range order increases without measurable interdiffusion. At 900 K, the interdiffusion takes place without destroying the L10 long-range order. This surprising observation can be explained by different diffusion mechanisms that are energetically compared using molecular dynamics simulations in CoPt in the second moment tight binding approximation. In addition, the frequencies of the normal modes of vibration have been measured in FePd, CoPt and FePt single crystals using inelastic neutron scattering. The measurements were performed in the L10 ordered structure at 300 K. From a Born-von Karman fit, we have calculated the phonon densities of states. The migration energies in the 3 systems have been estimated using the model developed by Schober et al. (1981). The phonon densities of states have also been used to calculate several thermodynamic quantities as the vibration entropy and the Debye temperature.