Nanostructure, conductivity, and reflectivity of thin iron and (Fe) X (BaF2) Y films

Fe and (Fe)X(BaF2)Y films 10- to 160-nm-thick are grown on a polymer substrate by vacuum evaporation. The surface relief and nanostructure of the films are examined. The dependence of the conductivity on the film thickness is obtained, and a correlation between the conductivity and surface relief is found. The influence of the BaF2 dielectric phase on the conductivity and reflectivity of the Fe films is studied. It is shown that the BaF2 layer to some extent slows down oxidation and maintains the reflectivity of the Fe films compared with pure iron films exposed to air.