Anderson-like localization in ultrathin nanocomposite alloy films on polymeric substrates

The resistivity–structure relationship is experimentally investigated for ultrathin chrome cobalt (CrCox) alloy films sequentially co-sputtered on pre-coated polymeric substrates. For a narrow range of concentrations, we determine the crystal structure to be predominantly body-centred cubic and in one case having an additional Ω-hexagonal close-packed phase. The alloy film with the Ω-hexagonal close-packed phase shows an anomalous resistivity–temperature relationship. This is consistent with the associated crystal structure change and is attributed to an Anderson-like localization of carriers.