Structural analysis of epitaxial Fe films on Ni(001)

The atomic geometry and growth mechanism of Fe films 0.5–20 monolayers ML epitaxially grown on Ni 001 have Ž Ž .. Ž . been investigated by a multitechnique approach with the twofold aim of assessing the reliability of quick structural techniques primary-beam diffraction modulated electron emission PDMEE , secondary electron imaging SEI , suitable Ž Ž . Ž .. for on-line monitoring of film growth, and studying the structural evolution of the FerNi system. To this end, samples were analysed by PDMEE and SEI together with synchrotron radiation photoelectron diffraction PD , and extended x-ray Ž . absorption fine structure EXAFS . Results show the effectiveness of the approach by quick techniques. In the early stage of Ž . growth, Fe arranges in a strained fccŽ. Ž. 001 structure. Transition to the bcc phase occurs through nucleation of bcc 110 domains with the bcc-111)rrfcc-110)orientation. Quantitative analysis based on PD and EXAFS data is also presented.