Depth profile analyses and thermal stability of a Cu–Co–Cu three-layer system investigated by polarized neutron reflectometry

Abstract Spin polarized neutron reflectometry is an appropriate method for the non-destructive determination of concentration profiles in magnetic layer systems. The investigation of the stability of a thin Cu–Co–Cu-layer system after thermal heat treatments up to 400°C was performed. The concentration distribution of the cobalt after production and after heat treatments was measured, with the result, that the concentration profiles already changed at this low temperature. These changes were traced back to diffusion processes using polarization analysis of the reflected neutrons.