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Multimethod System with XPS, PVD and Sputter Deposition

Linear Transfer System with LTS, XPS, PVD and Sputtering Chambers for Wide Range of Surface Science Applications

The SPECS Multimethod System with LTS, XPS, PVD and Sputtering is a fully equipped UHV analysis system for modern surface science applications. All systems are designed and manufactured at the SPECS headquarter in Berlin. A special engineering group personally accompanies the system process from the order placing until the final acceptance. Our engineers are dedicated to highest quality and usability of the system during design, testing and setup on site. Once the system is in full operation, a professional service team in our HQ and our worldwide branch offices takes care of a smooth and stable operation.

The SPECS linear transfer system (LTS) connects different satellite modules by a UHV vacuum tube with integrated sample carrier. Up to 5 slots for multiple samples can be moved automatically between the system interconnection points. The flexible design allows a cost efficient upgrade with additional transfer segments. Each segment can host up to two full scale satellite system modules. In this case,  the LTS system comes with XPS-, PVD- and sputtering satellite chambers.

The typical vacuum in SPECS systems is better than 2 x 10-10 mbar achieved during assembly at SPECS. A final end pressure in the 10-11 mbar range is achievable. The standard pumping configuration consists of and ion getter pump (IGP), a titan sublimation pump (TSP) and a turbo molecular pump (TMP) with connecting to a roughing vacuum. Different pumping configurations are available on request including cryopumps, larger pumping schemes and also NEG pumps.

All systems are equipped with a rigid frame and included bake-out tents with automated heating systems. An electronics cabinet hosts all relevant electronics, a main power supply and a TCP/IP based communication platform for the control units.

All SPECS systems are ready for interconnections to other SPECS modules. Also the connection to existing systems can be tested on request.

KEY FEATURES

  • XPS analysis
  • Sputtering chamber for sample growth and cleaning
  • PVD chamber for deposition applications
  • Open and modular system design
  • Designed and tested in Berlin, Germany

MADE FOR THESE METHODS

2
XPS, Chemical Mapping
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a widely used method for chemical analysis. By surface imaging or mapping a chemical map can be recorded
Deposition
Thin film deposition techniques allow for controlled growths of thin films either from an atomic/molecular flow or from chemically reactive precursors

PUBLICATIONS

  1. (2021) Epitaxial thin-film Pd1−xFex alloy: a tunable ferromagnet for superconducting spintronics

    Thin epitaxial films of the palladium-rich Pd1−xFex alloy were synthesized and extensively studied as a tunable ferromagnetic material for superconducting spintronics. The (001)-oriented MgO single-crystal substrate and the composition range of x = 0.01–0.07 were chosen to support the epitaxial growth and provide the films with magnetic properties spanning from very soft ferromagnet for memory applications to intermediately soft and moderately hard for the programmable logic and circuit biasing, respectively. Dependences of the saturation magnetization, Curie temperature and three magnetic anisotropy constants on the iron content x were obtained for the first time from the analyses of the magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance data. The experimental results were discussed based on existing theories of dilute ferromagnetic alloys. Simulation of the hysteresis loops within the Stoner-Wohlfarth model indicates the predominant coherent magnetic moment rotation at cryogenic temperatures. The obtained results were compiled in a database of magnetic properties of a palladium-iron alloy in a single-crystal thin-film form considered as a material for superconducting spintronics.



    A. Esmaeili, I. V. Yanilkin, A. I. Gumarov, I. R. Vakhitov, B. F. Gabbasov, R. V. Yusupov,
    D. A. Tatarsky, and L. R. Tagirov
    Science China Materials volume 64, pages 1246–1255 (2021)
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  2. (2021) Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetoresistive Properties of the Epitaxial Pd0.96Fe0.04 /VN/Pd 0.92 Fe 0.08 Superconducting Spin-Valve Heterostructure

    A thin-film superconductor(S)/ferromagnet(F) F1/S/F2-type Pd0.96Fe0.04 (20 nm)/VN(30 nm)/Pd0.92Fe0.08 (12 nm) heteroepitaxial structure was synthesized on (001)-oriented single-crystal MgO substrate utilizing a combination of the reactive magnetron sputtering and the molecular-beam epitaxy techniques in ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The reference VN film, Pd0.96Fe0.04 /VN, and VN/Pd0.92 Fe0.08 bilayers were grown in one run with the target sample. In-situ low-energy electron diffraction and ex-situ X-ray diffraction investigations approved that all the Pd1−xFex and VN layers in the series grew epitaxial in a cube-on-cube mode. Electric resistance measurements demonstrated sharp transitions to the superconducting state with the critical temperature reducing gradually from 7.7 to 5.4 K in the sequence of the VN film, Pd0.96 Fe0.04 /VN, VN/Pd0.92Fe0.08 , and Pd0.96Fe0.04 /VN/Pd0.92Fe0.08 heterostructures due to the superconductor/ferromagnet proximity effect. Transition width increased in the same sequence from 21 to 40 mK. Magnetoresistance studies of the trilayer Pd0.96Fe0.04 /VN/Pd0.92 Fe0.08 sample revealed a superconducting spin-valve effect upon switching between the parallel and antiparallel magnetic configurations, and anomalies associated with the magnetic moment reversals of the ferromagnetic Pd0.92Fe0.08 and Pd0.96Fe0.04 alloy layers. The moderate critical temperature suppression and manifestations of superconducting spin-valve properties make this kind of material promising for superconducting spintronics applications.



    I. Yanilkin, W. Mohammed, A. Gumarov, A. Kiiamov, R. Yusupov, and L. Tagirov
    Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 64
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  3. (2019) Epitaxial growth of Pd1−x Fex films on MgO single-crystal substrate

    In the paper we report on growth conditions, morphology, crystallographic structure and magnetic anisotropy of 20 nm thick, palladium-rich Pd1−xFex (0.01 < x < 0.1) alloy films grown on (001)-oriented MgO single-crystal substrate. Molecular beam deposition at ultra-high vacuum conditions has been utilized along with the three-step procedure to achieve the epitaxy conditions for the synthesized films. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy have shown flat and smooth morphology of the films studied in a wide range of lateral scales. In situ low energy electron diffraction and ex situ X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that our Pd1−xFex alloy films are epitaxial. Ferromagnetic resonance investigations have shown the in-plane four-fold magnetocrystalline anisotropy characteristic for single-crystalline films with the cubic structure. The whole set of our measurements testifies the epitaxial cube-on-cube growth and excellent magnetic homogeneity of Pd1−xFex films on MgO substrate obtained within the three-step deposition process.



    A. Esmaeilia, I.V. Yanilkina, A.I. Gumarova, I.R. Vakhitova, B.F. Gabbasova, A.G. Kiiamova,
    A.M. Rogova, Yu.N. Osina, A.E. Denisova, R.V. Yusupova, and L.R. Tagirova
    Thin Solid Films 669 (2019) 338–344
    Read more
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