Direct imaging of atomic clusters in an amorphous matrix: A Co-C granular thin film

作者：Sato Kazuhisa^*; Mizuguchi Masaki; Tang Ruihe; Kang Jung Goo; Ishimaru Manabu; Takanashi Koki; Konno Toyohiko J

来源：Applied Physics Letters, 2012, 101(19): 191902.

DOI：10.1063/1.4765362

• atomic clusters
• carbon
• cobalt
• galvanomagnetic effects
• granular materials
• magnetic thin films
• nanoparticles
• transmission electron microscopy

The atomic structure of extremely small cobalt (Co) nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous carbon (C) matrix has been studied by spherical aberration (C-s) corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and focal-series restoration. The Co nanoparticles, 1-3 nm in diameter, are crystalline with the face centered cubic structure, while the radial distribution function analysis revealed the existence of a Co-C bond. The reconstructed phase images of the exit-wave function clearly show the projected potential distribution within the Co nanoparticles. The C-s-correction has hence a benefit to visualize embedded crystalline clusters unambiguously, which are responsible for the magnetotransport properties of the Co-C films.

• 出版日期2012-11-5