X-ray studies

We use the technique of grazing incidence x-ray scattering at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, and the Daresbury laboratory to measure the stacking fault density and detailed crystallography of advanced thin film media. We are also currently developing a 2-circle Huber Diffractometer in Exeter. For our studies we will use the Bragg-Brentano geometry to provide supporting structural studies on a wide range of magnetic thin films, from thin film media to the magnetic thin films produced by the in-house sputtering facility. Typical scans will include reflectivity measurements for film thickness control and qualitative interface roughness determination, as well as standard high angle q-2q scans and rocking curve measurements to provide structural information such as basic crystallographic texture and mosaic spread.