Advanced nanometer-size structures

Abstract

Advanced nanometer-size structuresSolid state physics made a considerable progress towards nanometer- and subnanometer-size structures during the last decade. The structures encompass ultra thin films, multilayers, tubes, pillars, particles, clusters, etc. In this work, we address some of them. In particular, multilayers and spin valves with nm and sub-nm thickness of individual layers and ordered monolayers of nanoparticles are discussed in detail. These structures are at the forefront of further progress in the soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet optics, spintronics and the whole emerging nanotechnology era. Attention is paid to the design, layer growth control with picometer resolution, interface phenomena and interlayer formation which is also responsible for thermal stability of both multilayers and spin valves. Interfaces are characterized by a full set of parameters including various types of roughness, its lateral and vertical correlations and fractal dimension. For the analyses of interfaces, X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity and diffuse scattering have been elaborated in detail. The results are completed by local methods, like electron and atomic probe microscopies. Layered structures are studied in view of their applications in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet mirrors, giant magnetoresistance and spintronics devices. Development of novel nanosized structures with embedded arrays of magnetic nanoparticles is a challenging task nowadays. Magnetic nanoparticles offer a possibility of quantized electron tunneling and additional spin blockade. An ordered array of such nanoparticles can be used as natural double tunnel barrier of novel tunnel magnetoresistance devices. The Co, Fe