The asymmetric interface structure of bcc Fe82Ni18/Co superlattices as revealed by neutron diffraction

The interface structure of Fe82Ni18/Co (001) superlattices has been studied with a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction. The analysis reveals highly asymmetric interfaces with total interface widths of 10 ± 1 ML(monolayers) for Fe82Ni18 on Co and a maximum interface width of 1 ML for Co on Fe82Ni18. In addition it is concluded that there is no detectable long range B2-type chemical order occurring in the interface region. These results are also discussed in the context of previously measured magnetic moments of the same system.