Search

A new instrument named COMET for COherent Magnetic scattering Experiments in Transmission using polarized soft X-rays has been designed and built. This high-vacuum setup is placed at the intermediate focal point of the elastic branch of the SEXTANTS beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL. The main application is in solid state physics, the instrument being optimized for studying material properties using coherent scattering of soft X-rays with an emphasis on imaging, with chemical selectivity, the magnetic domains of artificially nano-structured materials. The instrument's principal features are presented and illustrated through recently performed experiments.

Ultrashort optical pulses can trigger a variety of non-equilibrium processes in magnetic thin films affecting electrons and spins on femtosecond timescales. In order to probe the charge and magnetic degrees of freedom simultaneously, we developed an X-ray streaking technique that has the advantage of providing a jitter-free picture of absorption cross-section changes. In this paper, we present an experiment based on this approach, which we performed using five photon probing energies at the Ni M2,3-edges. This allowed us to retrieve the absorption and magnetic circular dichroism time traces, yielding detailed information on transient modifications of electron and spin populations close to the Fermi level. Our findings suggest that the observed absorption and magnetic circular dichroism dynamics both depend on the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) probing wavelength, and can be described, at least qualitatively, by assuming ultrafast energy shifts of the electronic and magnetic elemental absorption resonances, as reported in recent work. However, our analysis also hints at more complex changes, highlighting the need for further experimental and theoretical studies in order to gain a thorough understanding of the interplay of electronic and spin degrees of freedom in optically excited magnetic thin films.

We use time-resolved x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (TR-XRMS) at the Co ${M}_{2,3}$ and Tb ${O}_{1}$ edges to study ultrafast demagnetization in an amorphous ${\mathrm{Co}}_{88}{\mathrm{Tb}}_{12}$ alloy with stripe domains. Combining the femtosecond temporal with nanometer spatial resolution of our experiment, we demonstrate that the equilibrium spin texture of the thin film remains unaltered by the optical pump pulse on ultrashort timescales ($l1\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$). However, after $\ensuremath{\simeq}4$ ps, we observe the onset of a significant domain wall broadening, which we attribute to a reduction of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy of the system, due to energy transfer to the lattice. Static temperature-dependent magnetometry measurements combined with analytical modeling of the magnetic structure of the thin film corroborate this interpretation.

Ultrafast demagnetization, a phenomenon of utmost interest in the context of optical control of magnetically recorded data, has been extensively studied in a variety of different materials. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of the pump laser wavelength on the process, and only within a narrow spectral range. Performing resonant scattering experiment at the cobalt ${M}_{2,3}$ edges, using extreme ultraviolet radiation photons from a high harmonic source, we studied the ultrafast demagnetization dynamics of Co/Pt multilayers by tuning the pump wavelength to 0.4, 0.8, and 1.8 \ensuremath{\mu}m. We show that the degree of demagnetization at short time scale (100s of fs) is stronger at longer wavelengths. This is explained by the wavelength dependence of both the laser induced heating of the electrons (${T}_{e}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}$) and the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic energy deposited into the multilayer sample.

A high harmonics source is used to perform x-ray resonant magnetic scattering on magnetic samples. The dynamics of laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization are probed and longer pump wavelengths are found to increase the initial quenching levels.

Optics express 29(20), 32388-32403 (2021). doi:10.1364/OE.430828, In this paper, we present a new setup for the measurement of element-specific ultrafast magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic thin films with a sub-15-fs time resolution. Our experiment relies on a split and delay approach which allows us to fully exploit the shortest X-rays pulses delivered by X-ray Free Electrons Lasers (close to the attosecond range), in an X-ray pump – X-ray probe geometry. The setup performance is demonstrated by measuring the ultrafast elemental response of Ni and Fe during demagnetization of ferromagnetic Ni and Ni$_{80}$Fe$_{20}$ (Permalloy) samples upon resonant excitation at the corresponding absorption edges. The transient demagnetization process is measured in both reflection and transmission geometry using, respectively, the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) and the Faraday effect as probing mechanisms., Published by Soc., Washington, DC

The SOLEIL synchrotron radiation source is regularly operated in special filling modes dedicated to pump–probe experiments. Among others, the low-α mode operation is characterized by shorter pulse duration and represents the natural bridge between 50 ps synchrotron pulses and femtosecond experiments. Here, the capabilities in low-α mode of the experimental set-ups developed at the TEMPO beamline to perform pump–probe experiments with soft X-rays based on photoelectron or photon detection are presented. A 282 kHz repetition-rate femtosecond laser is synchronized with the synchrotron radiation time structure to induce fast electronic and/or magnetic excitations. Detection is performed using a two-dimensional space resolution plus time resolution detector based on microchannel plates equipped with a delay line. Results of time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, circular dichroism and magnetic scattering experiments are reported, and their respective advantages and limitations in the framework of high-time-resolution pump–probe experiments compared and discussed. Fil: Silly, Mathieu G.. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Ferte, Tom. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Tordeux, Marie Agnes. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Pierucci, Debora. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Beaulieu, Nathan. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Chauvet, Christian. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Pressacco, Federico. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Sirotti, Fausto. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Popescu, Horia. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Lopez Flores, Victor. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Tortarolo, Marina del Carmen. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Sacchi, Maurizio. Universite de Paris Vi. Institut des Nanosciences de Paris; Francia Fil: Jaouen, Nicolas. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Hollander, Philippe. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Ricaud, Jean Paul. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Bergeard, Nicolas. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Boeglin, Christine. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Tudu, Bharati. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Delaunay, Renaud. Universite de Paris VI; Francia Fil: Luning, Jan. Universite de Paris VI; Francia Fil: Malinowski, Gregory. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Hehn, Michel. Synchrotron Soleil; Francia Fil: Baumier, Cedric. Université Paris Sud; Francia Fil: Fortuna, Franck. Université Paris Sud; Francia Fil: Krizmancic, Damjan. Elettra - Synchrotron Light Laboratory; Italia Fil: Stebel, Luigi. Elettra - Synchrotron Light Laboratory; Italia Fil: Sergo, Rudi. Elettra - Synchrotron Light Laboratory; Italia Fil: Cautero, Giuseppe. Elettra - Synchrotron Light Laboratory; Italia

International audience; During the past few years high-order harmonic generation (HHG) has opened up the field of ultrafast spectroscopy to an ever larger community by providing a table-top and affordable femtosecond extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft-x-ray source. In particular, the field of femtomagnetism has largely benefited from the development of these sources. However, the use of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) as a probe of magnetization, the most versatile and reliable one, has been constrained by the lack of polarization control at HHG sources, so studies have relied on more specific magneto-optical effects. Even the recent developments on the generation of elliptically polarized harmonics have only resulted in a few time-resolved experiments relying on this powerful technique since they add complexity to already-difficult measurements. In this article we show how to easily probe magnetization dynamics with linearly polarized EUV or soft-x-ray light with a versatility similar to XMCD by exploiting the Faraday effect. Static and time-resolved measurements of the Faraday effect are presented around the Co M edges. Using simple theoretical considerations, we show how to retrieve the samples magnetization dynamics from the Faraday rotation and ellipticity transients. Ultrafast demagnetization dynamics of a few nanometers in Co-based samples are measured with this method in out-of-plane as well as in-plane magnetization configurations, showing its great potential for the study of femtomagnetism.

A high harmonics source is used to perform x-ray resonant magnetic scattering on a magnetic sample. The dynamics of laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization are probed with respect to the wavelength of the pump beam. Longer pump wavelengths are found to increase the initial quenching levels.

Critical behavior is very common in many fields of science and a wide variety of many- body systems exhibit emergent critical phenomena. The beauty of critical phase transitions lies in their scale-free properties, such that the temperature dependence of physical parameters of systems differing at the microscopic scale can be described by the same generic power laws. In this work we establish the critical properties of the antiferromagnetic phase transition in artificial square ice, showing that it belongs to the two-dimensional Ising universality class, which extends the applicability of such concepts from atomistic to mesoscopic magnets. Combining soft x-ray resonant magnetic scattering experiments and Monte Carlo simulations, we characterize the transition to the low-temperature long-range order expected for the artificial square-ice system. By measuring the critical scattering, we provide direct quantitative evidence of a continuous magnetic phase transition, obtaining critical exponents which are compatible with those of the two-dimensional Ising universality class. In addition, by varying the blocking temperature relative to the phase transition temperature, we demonstrate its influence on the out-of-equilibrium dynamics due to critical slowing down at the phase transition.

Many fundamental processes in magnetism take place on a nanometer length and sub-picosecond time scale. An important example of such phenomena in magnetism is ultrafast, spin-polarized transport of laser-excited hot electrons, which is now being recognized as playing a crucial role for novel spintronic devices and for optically induced magnetic switching. Recent experimental examples include the demonstration of all-optical helicity dependent control of spin-polarized currents at interfaces [1], the design of novel and efficient terahertz emitters [2], and nanoscale spin reversal in chemically heterogeneous GdFeCo driven by non-local transfer of angular momentum [3]. In particular, for advanced information technologies with bit densities already exceeding 1 terabit per square inch with bit cell dimensions of (15 × 38 nm2) [4], it is of fundamental importance to understand and eventually control the mechanisms responsible for optically induced spin dynamics on the nanoscale.

The investigation of ultrafast dynamics, taking place on the few to sub-picosecond time scale, is today a very active research area pursued in a variety of scientific domains. With the recent advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), providing very intense X-ray pulses of duration as short as a few femtoseconds, this research field has gained further momentum. As a consequence, the demand for access strongly exceeds the capacity of the very few XFEL facilities existing worldwide. This situation motivates the development of alternative sub-picosecond pulsed X-ray sources among which femtoslicing facilities at synchrotron radiation storage rings are standing out due to their tunability over an extended photon energy range and their high stability. Following the success of the femtoslicing installations at ALS, BESSY-II, SLS and UVSOR, SOLEIL decided to implement a femtoslicing facility. Several challenges were faced, including operation at the highest electron beam energy ever, and achievement of slice separation exclusively with the natural dispersion function of the storage ring. SOLEIL's setup also enables, for the first time, delivering sub-picosecond pulses simultaneously to several beamlines. This last feature enlarges the experimental capabilities of the facility, which covers the soft and hard X-ray photon energy range. In this paper, the commissioning of this original femtoslicing facility is reported. Furthermore, it is shown that the slicing-induced THz signal can be used to derive a quantitative estimate for the degree of energy exchange between the femtosecond infrared laser pulse and the circulating electron bunch.

Ultrafast dynamics are generally investigated using stroboscopic pump-probe measurements, which characterize the sample properties for a single, specific time delay. These measurements are then repeated for a series of discrete time delays to reconstruct the overall time trace of the process. As a consequence, this approach is limited to the investigation of fully reversible phenomena. We recently introduced an off-axis zone plate based X-ray streaking technique, which overcomes this limitation by sampling the relaxation dynamics with a single femtosecond X-ray pulse streaked over a picosecond long time window. In this article we show that the X-ray absorption cross section can be employed as the contrast mechanism in this novel technique. We show that changes of the absorption cross section on the percent level can be resolved with this method. To this end we measure the ultrafast magnetization dynamics in CoDy alloy films. Investigating different chemical compositions and infrared pump fluences, we demonstrate the routine applicability of this technique. Probing in transmission the average magnetization dynamics of the entire film, our experimental findings indicate that the demagnetization time is independent of the specific infrared laser pump fluence. These results pave the way for the investigation of irreversible phenomena in a wide variety of scientific areas., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

Scientific reports 7(1), 7253(2017). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-07069-z, The advent of x-ray free electron lasers has extended the unique capabilities of resonant x-ray spectroscopy techniques to ultrafast time scales. Here, we report on a novel experimental method that allows retrieving with a single x-ray pulse the time evolution of an ultrafast process, not only at a few discrete time delays, but continuously over an extended time window. We used a single x-ray pulse to resolve the laser-induced ultrafast demagnetisation dynamics in a thin cobalt film over a time window of about 1.6 ps with an excellent signal to noise ratio. From one representative single shot measurement we extract a spin relaxation time of (130 ± 30) fs with an average value, based on 193 single shot events of (113 ± 20) fs. These results are limited by the achieved experimental time resolution of 120 fs, and both values are in excellent agreement with previous results and theoretical modelling. More generally, this new experimental approach to ultrafast x-ray spectroscopy paves the way to the study of non-repetitive processes that cannot be investigated using traditional repetitive pump-probe schemes., Published by Macmillan, London

The mechanism underlying femtosecond laser-pulse-induced ultrafast magnetization dynamics remains elusive, despite two decades of intense research on this phenomenon. Most experiments focused so far on characterizing magnetization and charge carrier dynamics, while the first direct measurements of structural dynamics during ultrafast demagnetization were reported only very recently. We here present our investigation of the infrared laser-pulse-induced ultrafast demagnetization process in a thin Ni film, which characterizes simultaneously magnetization and structural dynamics. This is achieved by employing femtosecond time-resolved x-ray resonant magnetic reflectivity (tr-XRMR) as the probe technique. The experimental results reveal unambiguously that the subpicosecond magnetization quenching is accompanied by strong changes in nonmagnetic x-ray reflectivity. These changes vary with reflection angle, and changes up to 30% have been observed. By modeling the x-ray reflectivity of the investigated thin film, we can reproduce these changes by a variation of the apparent Ni layer thickness of up to 1%. Extending these simulations to larger incidence angles, we show that tr-XRMR can be employed to discriminate experimentally between currently discussed models describing the ultrafast demagnetization phenomenon., Funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement No. 312284 (CALIPSO Project) is gratefully acknowledged, as well as financial support received from the following agencies: (i) The French “Agence National de la Recherche” (ANR) via the projects UMAMI, ANR-11-LABX-0058_NIE and the EQUIPEX UNION (ANR-10-EQPX-52), and (ii) the CNRS-PICS program.

We demonstrate for the first time the realization of a spatial resolved two color, element-specific imaging experiment at the free-electron laser facility FERMI. Coherent imaging using Fourier transform holography was used to achieve direct real space access to the nanometer length scale of magnetic domains of Co/Pt heterostructures via the element-specific magnetic dichroism in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. As a first step to implement this technique for studies of ultrafast phenomena we present the spatially resolved response of magnetic domains upon femtosecond laser excitation.

We present an element specific and spatially resolved view of magnetic domains in Co/Pt heterostructures in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. Resonant small-angle scattering and coherent imaging with Fourier-transform holography reveal nanoscale magnetic domain networks via magnetic dichroism of Co at the M2,3 edges as well as via strong dichroic signals at the O2,3 and N6,7 edges of Pt. We demonstrate for the first time simultaneous, two-color coherent imaging at a free-electron laser facility paving the way for a direct real space access to ultrafast magnetization dynamics in complex multicomponent material systems, International audienceWe present an element specific and spatially resolved view of magnetic domains in Co/Pt heterostructures in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. Resonant small-angle scattering and coherent imaging with Fourier-transform holography reveal nanoscale magnetic domain networks via magnetic dichroism of Co at the M-2,M-3 edges as well as via strong dichroic signals at the O-2,O-3 and N-6,N-7 edges of Pt. We demonstrate for the first time simultaneous, two-color coherent imaging at a free-electron laser facility paving the way for a direct real space access to ultrafast magnetization dynamics in complex multicomponent material systems.

Review of scientific instruments 88(5), 053903 (2017). doi:10.1063/1.4983056, A new device for polarization control at the free electron laser facility FLASH1 at DESY has been commissioned for user operation. The polarizer is based on phase retardation upon reflection off metallic mirrors. Its performance is characterized in three independent measurements and confirms the theoretical predictions of efficient and broadband generation of circularly polarized radiation in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range from 35 eV to 90 eV. The degree of circular polarization reaches up to 90% while maintaining high total transmission values exceeding 30%. The simple design of the device allows straightforward alignment for user operation and rapid switching between left and right circularly polarized radiation., Published by AIP Publishing, [S.l.]

Synchrotron radiation news 26(6), 27 - 32 (2013). doi:10.1080/08940886.2013.850384, The free-electron laser (FEL) sources FLASH in Hamburg, LCLS at Stanford, and FERMI in Trieste provide XUV to soft X-ray radiation (FLASH and FERMI) or soft to hard X-ray radiation (LCLS) with unprecedented parameters in terms of ultrashort pulse length, high photon flux, and coherence. These properties make FELs ideal tools for studying ultrafast dynamics in matter on a previously unaccessible level. This paper first reviews results obtained at FEL sources during the last few years in the field of magnetism research. We start with pioneering experiments at FLASH demonstrating the feasibility of magnetic scattering at FELs [1, 2], then present pump–probe scattering experiments [3, 4] as well as the first FEL magnetic imaging experiments [5], and finally discuss a limitation of the scattering methods due to a quenching of the magnetic scattering signal by high-fluence FEL pulses [6]. All of the presented experiments exploit the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism effect [7, 8] to obtain element-specific magnetic scattering contrast, as known from synchrotron experiments [9–12]., Published by Taylor & Francis, Philadelphia, Pa.

Controlling magnetization dynamics with a femtosecond laser is attracting interest both in fundamental science and in industry because of the potential to achieve magnetic switching at ever faster speeds. Here, we report a coherent, phase-locked coupling between a high-field single-cycle terahertz transient and the magnetization of ferromagnetic cobalt films. The visualized magnetization dynamics follow the temporal terahertz field oscillation, are tightly locked to the terahertz phase and are induced in the absence of resonant excitations and energy deposition. The magnetic response occurs on the timescale of the stimulus and is thus two orders of magnitude faster than the Larmor precession response. The experimental results are excellently reproduced by the Landau-Lifshift-Gilbert semi-empirical model, indicating its applicability to ultrafast magnetization dynamics and also demonstrating the marginal effect of the co-propagating terahertz electric field. This novel phenomenon of phase-locked control of magnetization with a strong terahertz field suggests new opportunities for ultrafast data storage.

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers have the ability to adapt their surface's molecular composition to the hydrophilicity of their environment. In the case of about equal volume fractions of the two polymer blocks, the bulk of these polymers is known to develop a laminar ordering. We report here our investigation of the relationship between bulk ordering and surface morphology/chemical composition in thin films of such an amphiphilic diblock copolymer. Upon annealing in vacuum, the expected lamella ordering in the bulk of the film is observed and we find the morphology of the film surface to be defined by the thickness of the as-deposited film: If the as-deposited thickness matches the height of a lamella stack, then the film exhibits a smooth surface. Otherwise, an incomplete lamella forms at the film surface. We show that the coverage of this incomplete layer can be quantified by X-ray reflectivity. To establish the lamella ordering in the bulk, the film needs to be annealed above the glass temperature of the two blocks. Molecular segregation at the film surface, however, is already occurring at temperatures well below the glass temperature of the two blocks. This indicates that below the glass temperature of the blocks the bulk of the thin film is “frozen,” whereas the polymer chains composing the surface lamella have an increased mobility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys., 2013, 51, 1282–1287

The study of magnetic correlations in dipolar-coupled nanomagnet systems with synchrotron x-ray scattering provides a means to uncover emergent phenomena and exotic phases, in particular in systems with thermally active magnetic moments. From the diffuse signal of soft x-ray resonant magnetic scattering, we have measured magnetic correlations in a highly dynamic artificial kagome spin ice with sub-70-nm Permalloy nanomagnets. On comparing experimental scattering patterns with Monte Carlo simulations based on a needle-dipole model, we conclude that kagome ice I phase correlations exist in our experimental system even in the presence of moment fluctuations, which is analogous to bulk spin ice and spin liquid behavior. In addition, we describe the emergence of quasi-pinch-points in the magnetic diffuse scattering in the kagome ice I phase. These quasi-pinch-points bear similarities to the fully developed pinch points with singularities of a magnetic Coulomb phase, and continually evolve into the latter on lowering the temperature. The possibility to measure magnetic diffuse scattering with soft x rays opens the way to study magnetic correlations in a variety of nanomagnetic systems., 8 pages, 5 figures; http://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.224413

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 18970; published online: 06 January 2016; updated: 04 March 2016 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Bharati Tudu, which was incorrectly given as Bahrati Tudu. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

The unique opportunity to study and control electron-nuclear quantum dynamics in coupled potentials offered by the resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) technique is utilized to unravel an anomalously strong two-electron one-photon transition from core-excited to Rydberg final states in the CO molecule. High-resolution RIXS measurements of CO in the energy region of 12–14 eV are presented and analyzed by means of quantum simulations using the wave packet propagation formalism and ab initio calculations of potential energy curves and transition dipole moments. The very good overall agreement between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions allows an in-depth interpretation of the salient spectral features in terms of Coulomb mixing of “dark” with “bright” final states leading to an effective two-electron one-photon transition. The present work illustrates that the improved spectral resolution of RIXS spectra achievable today may call for more advanced theories than what has been used in the past.

International audience; Does the excitation of ultrafast magnetization require direct interaction between the photons of the optical pump pulse and the magnetic layer? Here, we demonstrate unambiguously that this is not the case. For this we have studied the magnetization dynamics of a ferromagnetic cobalt/palladium multilayer capped by an IR-opaque aluminum layer. Upon excitation with an intense femtosecond-short IR laser pulse, the film exhibits the classical ultrafast demagnetization phenomenon although only a negligible number of IR photons penetrate the aluminum layer. In comparison with an uncapped cobalt/ palladium reference film, the initial demagnetization of the capped film occurs with a delayed onset and at a slower rate. Both observations are qualitatively in line with energy transport from the aluminum layer into the underlying magnetic film by the excited, hot electrons of the aluminum film. Our data thus confirm recent theoretical predictions. Ultrafast demagnetization is a very intriguing phenomenon. The existence and origin of this rapid loss of a thin film's magnetization on the femtosecond timescale has been controversially debated ever since its discovery in 1996 1. Recently, it has been proposed that the origin of this magnetization loss could be due to spin-dependent motion of the optically excited hot valence electrons causing a spatial redistribution of the magnetization, either to an adjacent metallic layer 2,3 or within the magnetic layer itself 4. Strong experimental evidence for this so-called superdiffusive spin transport has been found lately 5-8. However, the experiment of Eschenlohr and co-workers 8 , similar to our study reported here, has been challenged recently. Khorsand and co-workers 9 showed that the Au cap layer employed in that experiment does not yield the postulated, and for the interpretation of the data crucial, attenuation of the incident IR pump pulse. Implementing a truly IR-opaque capping layer, we evade the limitation affecting the interpretation of the results of Eschenlohr and co-workers 8. Proper characterization of the number of photons reaching the magnetic layer demonstrates that the transmitted intensity is by orders of magnitude too small to excite the ultrafast demagnet-ization process.

The chain and the crystal unit cell orientation of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were measured with near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. A strongly attractive substrate, silicon, and a weakly attractive substrate, mica, were used. For a 100 nm thick LLDPE film on the silicon substrate, the crystals exhibit an edge-on lamellar morphology, with the chains predominantly parallel to the substrate, and the orthorhombic unit cell ⟨a, b, c⟩ in the following approximate orientation: b and c are in the film plane with b along the crystal fibril direction and c perpendicular to the fibril direction and a perpendicular to the film plane. On the mica substrates, LLDPE films with thickness below 180 nm completely dewet the surface and form isolated droplets, while a film 366 nm thick crystallizes as spherulites with most of the chains perpendicular to the substrate before annealing and with a twisted lamellar structure after isothermal crystallization at 60 °C. The results demonst...

The fourth SOLEIL Users' Meeting was held on January 21 and 22, 2009, at Ecole Polytechnique in Palaiseau, France. One year after the official opening of the SOLEIL synchrotron located south of Paris, this meeting was the occasion to get the latest information on the machine status, beamline progress, and scientific results. Two satellite workshops were simultaneously organized to extend users' overview on synchrotron radiation applications related to X-ray spectroscopy of Magnetic Solids (XRMS09) and structural studies and imaging in life science (BioOrbit).

The contribution from a relatively low-K SiON (K~6) interfacial transition region (ITR) between Si and transition metal high-K gate dielectrics such as nanocrystalline HfO"2 (K~20), and non-crystalline Hf Si oxynitride (K~10-12) places a significant limitation on equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) scaling. This limitation is equally significant for metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors and field effect transistors, MOSCAPs and MOSFETs, respectively, fabricated on Ge substrates. This article uses a novel remote plasma processing approach to remove native Ge ITRs and bond transition metal gate dielectrics directly onto crystalline Ge substrates. Proceeding in this way we identify (i) the source of significant electron trapping at interfaces between Ge and Ge native oxide, nitride and oxynitride ITRs, and (ii) a methodology for eliminating native oxide, or nitride IRTs on Ge, and achieving direct contact between nanocrystalline HfO"2 and non-crystalline high Si"3N"4 content Hf Si oxynitride alloys, and crystalline Ge substrates. We then combine spectroscopic studies, theory and modeling with electrical measurements to demonstrate the relative performance of qualitatively different nanocrystalline and non-crystalline gate dielectrics for MOS Ge test devices.

WOS: 000261693900103, In the soft X-rays energy region, near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra are generally recorded by monitoring yield signals of secondary particles. These secondary particles, electrons or fluorescence photons, follow from the decay of the core hole excited in the primary absorption process. In general the yield signals are, to a good approximation, proportional to the absorption coefficient. However, in several applications it would be desirable to measure the absorption coefficient quantitatively. To derive the absorption coefficient quantitatively from a yield spectrum, one needs to know the escape depth of the emitted electrons (Ne) of the applied yield technique in the material of interest. Since this quantity is difficult to calculate, it is unknown for most materials. In this paper we present the first results of our systematic investigation of the total electron-yield (TEY) escape depth of the 3d transition metals (Fe, Co and Cu). In addition our results gave important information on the variation of the TEY escape depth with the filling of the 3d band. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Science; SSRL University of Cukurova; DOE Cooperative Research Program, The authors express their thanks to Curtis Troxel for his support at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL), where the NEXAFS experiments have been carried out. SSRL is supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Science. Support by SSRL University of Cukurova and the DOE Cooperative Research Program for SESAME project is acknowledged by Y.U.

A study of changes in nano-scale morphology of thin films of nano-crystalline transition metal (TM) elemental oxides, HfO2 and TiO2, on plasma-nitrided Ge(100) substrates, and Si(100) substrates with ultra-thin (∼ 0.8 nm) plasma-nitrided Si suboxide, SiOx, x 150 eV is critical for this approach.

Defect states in the form of band edge electron and hole traps in HfO2 nano-crystalline films are qualitatively different in two different length scale regimes. For grain sizes > 3–4 nm, they are discrete band edge states associated with O-atom vacancies pinned and clustered at grain boundaries, whereas in as-deposited films, and films with a physical thickness of ~ 2 nm, they are band-tail defects with a density reduced by more than an order of magnitude. Defect states in non-crystalline high Si3N4 content Hf Si oxynitride alloys are qualitatively different than those in the either regime of nano-crystallinity, but instead are similar to those in SiO2, with densities 1012 cm− 2 in films with nano-grains > 3–4 nm.

The contribution from relatively low-K SiON interfacial transition regions (ITRs) between Si and transition metal (TM) gate dielectrics places a significant limitation on equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) scaling for Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices. This limitation is equally significant and limiting for Ge CMOS devices. Low-K Ge-based ITRs in Ge devices have also been shown to limit performance and reliability, particular for n-MOS field effect transistors. This article identifies the source of significant electron trapping at interfaces between n-Ge or inverted p-Ge, and Ge oxide, nitride and oxynitride ITRs. This is shown to be an interfacial band alignment issue in which native Ge ITRs have conduction band offset energies smaller than those of TM dielectrics, and trap electrons for negative Ge substrate bias. This article also describes a novel remote plasma processing approach for effectively eliminating any significant native Ge ITRs and using a plasma-processing/annealing process sequence for bonding TM gate dielectrics directly to the Ge substrate surface.

The friction performance of nanocrystalline diamond coatings was evaluated using in situ tribometry with sapphire counterfaces. Coatings were grown by microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition in an Ar–H–CH 4 plasma, with H ranging from 0 to 36%. In situ examination of the sliding contact, combined with ex situ analysis of the sapphire counterface revealed that the velocity accommodation mode was interfacial sliding of a carbonaceous transfer film versus the coating wear track. For most tests, the contact diameter increased during the first 50 sliding cycles and then remained constant. The in situ measure of the contact diameter was found to correlate confidently to ex situ measurements of counterface wear. The performance of the diamond coatings, characterized by quick run-in to low friction was best when a small but detectable graphite peak was present in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile. The relative intensity of the XRD graphite peak was also found to directly correlate with the peak position of the C1s → π* transition as measured by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Increasing the relative amount of graphite-bonded sp 2 carbon in the NCD films decreased run-in cycles to low friction.

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (also known as resonant X-ray Raman spectroscopy when only valence and conduction states are involved in the final state excitation) has developed into a major tool for understanding the electronic properties of complex materials. Presently it provides access to electron excitations in the few hundred meV range with element and bulk selectivity. Recent progress in X-ray optics and synchrotron radiation engineering have opened up new perspectives for this powerful technique to improve resolving power and efficiency. We briefly present the basics of the method and illustrate its potential with examples chosen from the literature. To cite this article: J. Luning, C.F. Hague, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).

A study of changes in nano-scale morphology of thin films of nano-crystalline transition metal (TM) elemental oxides, HfO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}, on plasma-nitrided Ge(100) substrates, and Si(100) substrates with ultra-thin (-0.8 nm) plasma-nitrided Si suboxide, SiO{sub x}, x < 2, or SiON interfacial layers is presented. Near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAS) has been used to determine nano-scale morphology of these films by Jahn-Teller distortion removal of band edge d-state degeneracies. These results identify a new and novel application for NEXAS based on the resonant character of the respective O K{sub 1} and N K{sub 1} edge absorptions. This paper also includes a brief discussion of the integration issues for the introduction of this Ge breakthrough into advanced semiconductor circuits and systems. This includes a comparison of nano-crystalline and non-crystalline dielectrics, as well as issues relative to metal gates.

This paper uses X-ray absorption and vacuum ultra-violet spectroscopic ellipsometry to distinguish between non-crystallinity, and the suppression of Jahn-Teller splittings that identify a scale of order metric, @l"s, of ~3 nm for distinguishing between i) nanocrystalline-order that can be detected by x-ray diffraction for @l"s>3-4 nm, and ii) reduced nanocrystalline order that can be detected by atomic-scale imaging and extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy for @l"s

This paper identifies two-different regimes of nanocrystallinity: i) thin films with nanocrystallites >3 nm, and ii) thin films with nanocrystallites =

This paper applies near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAS) and soft-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SXPS) to identity different length scales of nano-crystallinity in transition metal (TM) elemental oxides. Jahn-Teller (J-T) splittings in band edge HfO2 Eg states in O K1 NEXAS spectra requires nano-crystalline grain-sizes >3 to 4 nm and coherent p-bonding interactions. The spectroscopic studies provide an unambiguous way to distinguish between two regimes of nano-crystalline order with coherent and incoherent p-bonding interactions, yielding significant information on band edge electronic structure, and electronically active defects as well. Finally, defects in non-crystalline Hf Si oxynitride alloys are shown to be qualitatively different than those in either the nano-crystalline scale regimes.