Epitaxial growth and characterization of Y2Co17(0001) thin films deposited on W(110)

Y2Co17(0001) was grown on W(110) by pulsed laser deposition. The structural and morphological features of the films as a function of substrate temperature and thickness were studied in situ by means of reflection high‐energy electron diffraction, and ex situ by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x‐ray analysis (diffraction and reflection). Different growth modes were observed depending on the experimental conditions. They are discussed by considering the kinetical properties of the deposit and the thermodynamical properties of the system. The magnetic properties of the films have been investigated and related to the structural analysis.