Composition and magnetic properties of MOCVD processed thin films from nickelocene

In this study, results are reported on the composition and the electrical and magnetic properties of thin films of nickel deposited by MOCVD from nickelocene. It was found that films contain carbon, whose content decreases with increasing deposition pressure. Part of the carbon atoms are found in interstitial position in the Ni lattice. Saturation magnetization, Curie temperature and electrical conductivity of the films decrease with increasing their carbon content. The evolution of the magnetization saturation M s of the films with temperature follows Bloch's law. The different forms, namely carbidic (interstitial), aliphatic, or cyclic, in which carbon is found are discussed, and are correlated with the variations of the properties of the films.