Modular high-throughput test stand for versatile screening of thin-film materials libraries

作者：Thienhaus Sigurd^*; Hamann Sven; Ludwig Alfred

来源：Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 2011, 12(5): 054206.

DOI：10.1088/1468-6996/12/5/054206

• combinatorial materials science
• thin films
• high-throughput characterization
• ferromagnetic shape memory alloys
• Fe-Pd-Mn
• electrical measurements
• magnetic measurements

Versatile high-throughput characterization tools are required for the development of new materials using combinatorial techniques. Here, we describe a modular, high-throughput test stand for the screening of thin-film materials libraries, which can carry out automated electrical, magnetic and magnetoresistance measurements in the temperature range of -40 to 300 degrees C. As a proof of concept, we measured the temperature-dependent resistance of Fe-Pd-Mn ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy materials libraries, revealing reversible martensitic transformations and the associated transformation temperatures. Magneto-optical screening measurements of a materials library identify ferromagnetic samples, whereas resistivity maps support the discovery of new phases. A distance sensor in the same setup allows stress measurements in materials libraries deposited on cantilever arrays. A combination of these methods offers a fast and reliable high-throughput characterization technology for searching for new materials. Using this approach, a composition region has been identified in the Fe-Pd-Mn system that combines ferromagnetism and martensitic transformation.

• 出版日期2011-10