X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity analysis of multiple-layer thin films

The use of X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity techniques for the characterization of the layer structures of multiple-layer thin films is described. The X-ray fluorescence technique is used for the precision determination of composition and layer thicknesses of two triple-layer NiFe, Cu, and Cr thin films. The X-ray reflectivity technique is used to determine the values of layer thickness, density, and roughness of a six-layer Ta/FeMn/NiFe/Cu/NiFe/Ta thin film. Both X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity techniques are used for the analysis of two Au/NiFe multilayers. The results showed that the X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity techniques are complimentary. The use of both techniques for layer-structure determinations improves the reliability of the analysis. (author)