Abstract: A surface finish which provides improved wirebonding performance for integrated circuit packages is disclosed. The surface finish which is formed on a substrate includes a palladium layer and one or more material layers. The one or more material layers are interposed between the substrate and the palladium layer. The palladium layer has a hardness that is less than about 500 (KHN.sub.50) while at least one material layer has a hardness that is less than about 250 (KHN.sub.50).

Abstract: A method of improving oxidation resistance of a platinum modified aluminide diffusion coating on a substrate involves electroplating the substrate with a platinum layer from an aqueous hydroxide based electroplating solution and aluminizing the substrate to grow the platinum modified aluminide diffusion coating on said layer. The electroplating solution preferably includes an alkali element and/or alkaline earth element that is incorporated in the platinum layer and in the aluminide diffusion coating formed thereon to significantly improve oxidation resistance of the coating.

Abstract: High temperature oxidation resistance of an aluminide diffusion overcoated MCrAlY coating system is substantially improved by CVD over-aluminizing the MCrAlY type overlay coating under CVD conditions that result in reduced concentrations of such tramp impurities as S and P in the aluminized MCrAlY overlay coating region of the coating system. The CVD aluminizing conditions yield an outwardly grown aluminide over-coat on the underlying MCrAlY type coating.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a welded shaped body of platinum material dispersion-hardened by finely divided small particles of base metal oxide, especially such a body provided with at least one inside wall, such as a tube. The base metal oxide is one or more oxides of the elements yttrium, zirconium and cerium. The method includes shaping and welding of at least one part, especially a sheet, of an alloy of platinum and base metal, to a preform body, e.g. a tube. The preform body is then subjected to heat treatment in an oxidizing medium until the minimum degree of oxidation of the base metal reaches 75 wt %. The preform body is then formed into the desired product.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device is usable as a magnetic field sensor in magnetic disk drives or as a memory cell in a magnetic random access (MRAM) array. The MTJ device has a "pinned" ferromagnetic layer whose magnetization is oriented in the plane of the layer but is fixed so as not to be able to rotate in the presence of an applied magnetic field in the range of interest, a "free" ferromagnetic layer whose magnetization is able to be rotated in the plane of the layer relative to the fixed magnetization of the pinned ferromagnetic layer, and an insulating tunnel barrier layer located between and in contact with both ferromagnetic layers. The pinned ferromagnetic layer is pinned by interfacial exchange coupling with an adjacent antiferromagnetic layer. A high spin polarization ferromagnetic layer (Ni.sub.40 --Fe.sub.60) is placed near the tunnel barrier layer in both the pinned and free layers to enhance the magnetoresistive effect. The undesirable positive magnetostriction coefficient of the Ni.sub.

Abstract: High temperature alloys resistant to degradation and oxidation are provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, alloys comprising from about 0.1 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, from about 10 to about 80 atomic percent aluminum, and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, iridium, rhenium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium and tantalum are formed. Shaped bodies and structural members comprising such alloys are also described as are methods for their fabrication.

Abstract: A method for producing a phosphor made of luminous inorganic particles of a nanostructure which is capable of keeping a surface of the phosphor from being polluted by any by-product and controlling a particle diameter distribution of the phosphor as desired. A carbon material and an inorganic salt are mixed together to prepare a mixture, which is then heated, to thereby form an interlaminar compound. Then, the interlaminar compound is subject to a treatment using an eliminating agent, leading to production of luminous inorganic compound particles adhered to the carbon material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micromachined structure to be at least partly released from a substrate surface. A surface contact area, over which structure and the said substrate surface are in surface contact with each other during the manufacturing step, is divided into at least a first and a second contact zone, the adhesiveness between the structure and the substrate being greater in the first contact zone than in the second contact zone. As a manufacturing step, or as a step subsequent to the manufacturing, the structure can be released from the substrate surface at least over said second contact zone. The completed structure may also be completely loose from the substrate. The invention is also directed to a micromachined structure manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: Metal-carbon composite powders and methods for producing metal-carbon composite powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology and preferably have a small average particle size. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of powder precursors. The invention also includes novel devices and products formed from the composite powders.

Abstract: A magnetic head of storage/read separation type in which both a reproducing head of magnetoresistive type and a write head of magnetic induction type are formed through a magnetic shield. The magnetic head includes a ferromagnetic material and an antiferromagnetic material in intimate contact with said ferromagnetic material. At least a part of the antiferromagnetic material acts to bring about unidirectional anisotropy in the ferromagnetic material, and is made of Cr--Mn-based alloy, and at least a part of the ferromagnetic material in intimate contact with the antiferromagnetic material is made of Co or Co-based alloy.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ball grid array and the array. The method comprises the steps of providing an electrically insulating substrate and forming an essentially gold-free solder ball attach region and wire bond region secured to the substrate. Formation of the solder ball attach and wire bond regions includes forming a layer of electrically conductive material on the substrate, forming a layer of nickel over the layer of electrically conductive material and forming a layer of palladium over the layer of nickel. After chip attach and gold wire bonding or flip chip bonding, solder balls are then applied to the layer of palladium and the solder balls and solder ball attach regions are heated to a temperature sufficiently high and for a sufficient time so that the solder balls extend through and incorporate therein at least a portion of the layer of said palladium and extend to and attach to the layer of nickel.

Abstract: A microelectronic structure, having 1) at least one metallic feature situated on a layer of material selected from the group consisting of nonmetallic and semiconductor materials; 2) a layer of a cobalt-phosphorus alloy (Co(P)) covering at least one of the at least one metallic feature; and 3) a layer of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel and palladium covering the area covered by the Co(P) layer.

Abstract: A materials system in which exchange coupling is achievable has the potential for allowing direct overwriting of data and comprises at least two multilayer films of platinum and cobalt with independently controlled coercivity and Curie temperatures.

Abstract: Skeletal columnar coatings with a well-adhered columnar having both intercolumn and intracolumn porosity are metallic alloys of catalytic elements and non-catalytic elements and are particularly useful in making catalytic surfaces, electro-active surfaces and self-cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: A CVD outwardly grown platinum aluminide diffusion coating on a nickel or cobalt base superalloy substrate wherein the platinum modified aluminide diffusion coating is modified to include silicon, hafnium, and optionally zirconium and/or other active elements (e.g. Ce, La, Y, etc.) each in a concentration of about 0.01 weight % to about 8 weight % of the outer additive (Ni,Pt)(Al,Si) layer of the coating. A particular coating includes about 0.01 weight % to less than 2 weight % of each of silicon, hafnium, and zirconium in the outer additive layer, preferably with a Hf/Si ratio less than about 1 and, when Zr also is present, a Hf+Zr/Si ratio of less than about 1. A coating microstructure is provided characterized by an inner diffusion zone or region adjacent the substrate and the outer additive (Ni,Pt)(Al,Si) layer including hafnium silicide second phase particles or regions dispersed throughout the outer additive layer of the coating.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising at least one nickel layer deposited on the surface of the article, a palladium/nickel alloy layer deposited on the nickel layer, a refractory metal, preferably zirconium, layer deposited on the palladium/nickel alloy layer, a sandwich layer comprised of alternating layers of refractory metal compound and refractory metal deposited on the refractory metal layer, a refractory metal compound layer, preferably zirconium nitride, deposited on the sandwich layer, and a layer comprised of a refractory metal oxide or the reaction products of a refractory metal, oxygen and nitrogen deposited on the refractory metal compound layer. The coating provides the color of polished brass to the article and also provides abrasion and corrosion protection.

Abstract: A ceramic thermal barrier coating layer for a superalloy article is caused to adhere to the superalloy article by applying platinum to the superalloy article and heat treating at a temperature of 1100.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. for one hour. This causes aluminum to diffuse from the superalloy article into the platinum to form a platinum enriched outer layer which generally includes a platinum enriched gamma phase and a platinum enriched gamma prime phase. An alumina layer is formed between the platinum enriched outer layer and a ceramic coating. The platinum enriched gamma phase and the platinum enriched gamma prime phase in the outer layer reduces the migration of transition metal elements to the ceramic coating to enable a very pure alumina layer to be formed.

Abstract: A white decorative member comprising: a substrate; a primary plate layer having a thickness of at least 1 .mu.m and covering the substrate, which is composed of Cu (alloy); an Sn--Cu--Pd alloy plate layer having a thickness of at least 0.2 .mu.m and covering the primary plate layer, which comprises 10 to 20% by weight of Sn, 10 to 80% by weight of Cu and 10 to 50% by weight of Pd as essential components; and a finishing plate layer having a thickness of 0.2 to 5 .mu.m, which is composed of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pd, Rh and Pt. The decorative member of the present invention does not contain any Ni component, so that, when worn, it does not induce Ni allergy. Moreover, the decorative member which may have white, gold, black or multicolor being a combination of the above colors can be produced at lowered cost.

Abstract: A lead frame has a metal substrate directly coated with a palladium alloy layer to prevent diffusion of metal molecules from the metal substrate. The lead frame does not contain a nickel intermediate layer, thereby preventing the diffusion of nickel molecules which makes soldering difficult, and enhancing production.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a substrate structure for supporting a thin film with specific temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) thereon. The substrate structure includes a substrate composed of a borosilicate glass. The substrate further includes an interface layer of LaSiONx covering a top surface of the substrate. The substrate supports the thin film includes a platinum thin film thereon. The substrate structure further includes an adhesion anchoring seam disposed as a bonding seam interfacing the thin film to the substrate for securely attaching the thin film to the substrate therein. The bonding seam is disposed on a boundary edge of the thin film and includes a nickel-chromium alloy anchor seam disposed on the boding seam. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate structure includes a protective layer covering and protecting the substrate structure thereunder.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a nickel layer deposited on the surface of the article, a palladium layer deposited on the nickel layer, a palladium-nickel alloy layer deposited on the palladium layer, a non-precious refractory metal such as zirconium layer deposited on the palladium-nickel alloy layer, a sandwich layer comprised of alternating layers of a non-precious refractory metal compound such as zirconium nitride and a refractory metal such as zirconium deposited on the non-precious refractory metal layer, a non-precious refractory metal compound such as zirconium nitride layer deposited on the sandwich layer, and a layer comprised of a non-precious refractory metal oxide or the reaction products of a non-precious refractory metal such as zirconium, oxygen, and nitrogen deposited on the non-precious refractory metal compound layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermal barrier coating (42) for a superalloy article (40) comprises a platinum enriched superalloy layer (44), an MCrAlY bond coating (46) on the platinum enriched superalloy layer (44), a platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48) on the MCrAlY bond coating (46), a platinum aluminide coating (50) on the platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48), an oxide layer (54) on the platinum aluminide coating (50) and a ceramic thermal barrier coating (56) on the oxide layer (54). The platinum aluminide coating (50) and the platinum enriched MCrAlY layer (48) reduce movement of transition metals from the superalloy substrate (40) and the MCrAlY bond coating (46) to the oxide layer (54) so that the oxide layer is very pure alumina.

Abstract: Multilayer high transmittance, low emissivity coatings deposited over transparent substrates have improved mechanical durability, e.g. scratch resistance by the inclusion of at least one mechanical durability enhancing layer (hereinafter "MDE layer"). The MDE layer includes one or more pairs of a zinc oxide sublayer having deposited thereover a sublayer of an oxide of zinc and tin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the MDE layer is composed of two sublayers which includes a first sublayer of an oxide of zinc having deposited thereover a second sublayer of an oxide of zinc and tin. In another embodiment of the invention, the MDE layer is composed of four sublayers which includes a first sublayer of an oxide of zinc, having deposited thereover a second sublayer of an oxide of zinc and tin, having deposited thereover a third sublayer of an oxide of zinc, having deposited thereover a fourth sublayer of an oxide of zinc and tin.

Abstract: A magnetic head having a laminated magnetic film in which crystal orientation of precipitated small crystal particles can be controlled and the soft magnetic characteristic in the thickness of the laminated magnetic film can easily be controlled. The magnetic head has the laminated magnetic film formed by laminating thin magnetic layers, each having a composition as Fe.sub.x M.sub.y N.sub.z, and metal layers. The laminated magnetic film is subjected to heat treatment so that metal atoms forming the metal layers are diffused into the thin magnetic films. Thus, the laminated magnetic film contains small crystal particles of .alpha.Fe, the direction of crystal of which is controlled by the diffused metal atoms. Therefore, the laminated magnetic film has an excellent soft magnetic characteristic also in the direction of the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lead frame in which the metal lead frame substrate is copper, copper alloy, or nickel alloy. The lead frame substrate is coated with a conformable nickel coating that is crack-resistant when the lead frame is bent to an angle of at least 82 degrees with a bend radius of about 150 .mu.m to about 300 .mu.m. Bending the lead frame in this manner causes surface deformations in the lead frame substrate. Cracks do not appear through the thickness of the conformable nickel coating of the present invention when the depth of the deformations that result from this bending do not exceed about 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: An environmental resistant spot type coating is provided on a selected, discrete surface area of a high temperature operating article, by applying to the area a layer of at least one of the elements selected from Pt, Rh and Pd, and preferably Pt, to a thickness of about 0.0002" to less than 0.0006" and an average distribution of at least about 0.07 grams per square inch. The layer is heated at about 1800-2050.degree. F. for about 1/2-4 hours to diffuse the element with the surface area. Then the layer is aluminided to provide an average total coating thickness of about 0.001-0.005". The article provided includes an environmental resistant additive coating diffused with the selected discrete area. The coating comprises an outer portion of at least about 17 wt. % of the selected element, and an aluminide of the surface area or substrate. In one form, the outer portion is a two phase outer portion: a first phase of an aluminide of the selected element at a content of at least about 40 wt.

Abstract: A multilayer composite tubular structure for use as a stent in surgical procedures has an outer layer of biocompatible material, a middle layer of radiopaque material, and an inner layer of biocompatible material. The layers are metallurgically bonded, to form a composite stent which is ductile and permits large deformation without delamination between the biocompatible and radiopaque layers. The composite structure formed is visible on a fluoroscope, yet does not obstruct the details of the stent itself, or of the anatomical features surrounding the stent.A process of forming a multilayer composite tubular structure is also disclosed. A tube formed from radiopaque material is coaxially surrounded by a tube of biocompatible material. The tubes are simultaneously reduced, such as by tube drawing, swaging, or deep drawing, until a composite structure of a desirable diameter and wall thickness is formed. The tubes are then heat treated to cause diffusion bonding of the biocompatible and radiopaque layers.

Abstract: A high temperature article, for example a rocket nozzle suitable for liquid-fuelled rocket motors for satellites, is formed from an alloy which is a binary or tertiary alloy from the Pt-Ir-Rh system. Such alloys exhibit a good balance between ease and reliability of manufacture, cost of alloy and high temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A magnetic recording media with a magnetic film made from at least two layers stacked via a non-magnetic intermediate layer, wherein the magnetic film is formed on a structure control underlayer situated on a non-magnetic substrate. A magnetic recording system is also disclosed which includes this magnetic recording media and a magnetic recording head for recording on and reading back from the magnetic recording media. The system further includes a disk drive system, which generates relative motion between the magnetic recording media and the magnetic recording head, and an actuator which determines an appropriate location, on the magnetic recording media, over which the head should be located.

Abstract: Process for producing novel nickel superalloy bodies having increased resistance of to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures. The process comprises applying a thin layer of a platinum-group metal and heating to an elevated temperature to diffuse or integrate the platinum-group metal into the surface of the metal superalloy. Then the superalloy body is packed into a container filled with a diffusion powder composition containing sources of aluminum and chromium metals and heated in a hydrogen gas atmosphere to an elevated temperature to codeposit and diffuse aluminum and chromium into the platinum-group metal-treated surface. Finally, the superalloy body is removed from the diffusion coating container and heated to the solvus temperature to form a ductile surface having an outer zone microstructure comprising a normally brittle PtAl.sub.2 which has been ductilized by the solutioning therein of beta chromium. This ductilized PtAl.sub.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic material having a high exchange coupling and a high thermal stability, and a magnetic storage system using this material which has excellent reliability and recording density, and a magnetoresistive storage/read separation head having a high sensitivity and a low noise property. The magnetic storage/read system of the invention mounts a magnetoresistive head using a chromium-manganese antiferromagnetic layer/a cobalt alloy layer as a pinning layer or the longitudinal bias layer of the spin-valve type magnetoresistive layered film.

Abstract: Pt/Co multilayer systems having a thin metal interlayer possess superior room temperature coercivity, a square polar Kerr hysteresis loop, sufficient polar Kerr rotation, and are suitable for magneto-optical recording. These materials systems allow the reading and writing of information from the substrate side of the multilayer film.

Abstract: A new type of multilayer structure is shown which has superior properties for retaining magnetic transitions on a surface as they are written by a recording transducer. The multilayer is composed of crystal grains which are electronically isolated from one another (exchange isolated). The exchange isolation of the grains creates a type of medium which can viably store data at more than 2 billions bits per square inch. A method is described for making such a structure and the storage of magnetic transitions at extremely high density is demonstrated. Recording with previous multilayer candidates is also shown for comparison purposes.

Abstract: A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is place between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load of at least 1000 psi.

Abstract: Multilayer high transmittance, low emissivity coatings on transparent substrates feature a special antireflective base film of at least two parts on the substrate-near side of a metallic, reflective film. A first of the two parts is in contact with the metallic film. This first film-part has crystalline properties for causing the metallic film to deposit in a low resistivity configuration. The second of the two film-parts supports the first part and is preferably amorphous. Coated articles of the invention also feature, in combination with the above-mentioned base film or independently thereof, a newly discovered, particularly advantageous subrange of thicker primer films for coated glass that can be thermally processed for tempering, heat strengthening, or bending.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multilayer coating comprising a nickel layer deposited on the surface of the article, a palladium strike layer deposited on the nickel layer, a palladium/nickel alloy layer deposited on the palladium strike layer, a refractory metal, preferably zirconium, strike layer deposited on the palladium/nickel alloy layer, and a refractory metal compound, preferably zirconium nitride, deposited on the refractory metal strike layer. The coating provides the color of polished brass to the article and also provides abrasion and corrosion protection.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium comprises in combination: a magneto-optical recording layer capable of writing or erasing information by a laser beam and an external magnetic field and of reading the information by a Kerr effect; and a substrate having the magneto-optical recording layer formed thereon. The magneto-optical recording layer has at least two layers, including a first magneto-optical recording layer and a second magneto-optical recording layer which are magnetically coupled together. The first magneto-optical recording layer is a layer providing a greater magneto-optical effect in a short light wavelength range than the second magneto-optical recording layer though that having less perpendicular magnetic energy than this, as is provided on an irradiation side of the laser beam. It provides advantages in both the magneto-optical effect and perpendicular anisotropy in consideration of the thicknesses or compositions of the first and second magneto-optical recording layers.

Abstract: A unitary article that is solid at a temperature in excess of about 1100.ree. C. which includes a diamond, a metal, and a brazing material brazing the diamond and the metal. The brazing material includes a metal carbide adhering to the diamond and a platinum family metal or nickel adhering to the metal. The platinum family metal has dissolved therein carbide forming metal and contains particles of metal carbide. The article is made by depositing a platinum family metal or nickel on a metal melting above the melting point of the platinum family metal or nickel, depositing a carbide forming metal which is soluble in molten platinum family metal or nickel, heating the assembly until platinum family metal or nickel is in a molten state, and cooling the molten platinum family metal or nickel to a solid state.

Abstract: A unique multi-layered coating process that includes coating the base metal with a layer of strike copper, a subsequent layer of bright copper, a barrier layer of palladium or related element, and a thin surface layer of a precious metal such as gold. The bright copper layer is produced by a special acid copper bath.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multilayer coating comprising a semi-bright nickel layer deposited on the surface of the article, a bright nickel layer deposited on the bright nickel layer, a palladium strike layer deposited on the semi-bright nickel layer, a ruthenium layer deposited on the palladium strike layer, a refractory metal, preferably zirconium, strike layer deposited on the ruthenium layer, and a refractory metal compound, preferably zirconium nitride, deposited on the refractory metal strike layer. The coating provides the color of polished brass to the article and also provides abrasion and corrosion protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exchange coupling film having a stacked-film-structure consisting of a ferromagnetic film made of at least one material of Fe, Co and Ni, and an antiferromagnetic film, wherein the exchange coupling film made of a ferromagnetic material to which an element is added, is provided at the interface between the ferromagnetic film and the antiferromagnetic film so as to improve the lattice matching, which results in the enhancement of the exchange coupling force, and a magnetoresistance effect element including such an exchange coupling film as described above, and an electrode for supplying a current to the ferromagnetic film which constitutes the exchange coupling film.

Abstract: The durability and reliability of a polymer layer/metal layer sensor structure is improved by the incorporation of a metal oxide, e.g., tantalum oxide (Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5), layer between the polymer, e.g., polyimide, and the metal, e.g., platinum. sensor element.

Abstract: A coated article includes a superalloy substrate, an intermediate bond coat and a thermal barrier coating. The bond coat may include a platinum aluminide layer underlying a thin oxide layer. The thin oxide layer may include alumina. The coated article has high strength and durability at high temperatures over extended periods of time and thus is especially useful in the form of, e.g., a turbine blade or turbine vane.

Abstract: A magnetooptic medium comprising a substrate, an amorphous seed layer and a recording multilayer deposited onto the seed layer wherein the seed layer has a thickness of greater than 18 nm but less than 200 nm and is selected to improve the coercivity, squareness, and Kerr rotation of the Kerr hysteresis loop of the recording multilayer, and the recording multilayer includes alternating layers of cobalt and platinum or cobalt and palladium or cobalt and platinum-palladium alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved multi-layer magnetic recording media and magnetoresistive drive systems incorporating the same. In particular, multi-layer media including alternating layers of cobalt or cobalt alloys and a precious metal, such as palladium or platinum, and a process to manufacture such media, are disclosed. Media in accordance with the invention generally include a substrate, a nucleating layer, a lattice, and a protective layer. In certain embodiments, the substrate is polished aluminum. In other embodiments, the thickness of the nucleating layer is thicker than 100 .ANG., and in certain embodiments between about 200 and about 600 .ANG.. The lattice, generally includes bilayers of cobalt (or an alloy thereof) and palladium or platinum. The thickness of the cobalt layers are between about 1.5 .ANG. and 10 .ANG., or between about 2 .ANG. and 7 .ANG., or between about 3 .ANG. and 5 .ANG.. The thickness of the palladium or platinum layers are between about 5 .ANG. and 15 .ANG.

Abstract: A process for electroplating palladium or a palladium alloy onto an iron-nickel alloy substrate, which comprises the steps of: i) electroplating a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, tin, a nickel-tin alloy and a copper-tin alloy onto the substrate to form a first primer layer; ii) electroplating nickel or a gold alloy onto the first primer layer to form a second primer layer; and iii) electroplating palladium or a palladium alloy onto the second primer layer to from a palladium or a palladium alloy electroplating layer.

Abstract: A thin silver layer is deposited on the surface of a nonconducting substrate using an electroless process. The surface is cleaned and activated in aqueous solution containing stannous tin. The silver is deposited as a colloidal material from an aqueous solution of a silver-containing salt in the absence of an electric current, but in the presence of a deposition control agent. Optionally, the silver layer is stabilized with an aqueous solution of a platinum-group metal and/or gold. The resulting silver layer is uniform and of 2-2000 .ANG. thickness; it strongly adheres to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a stable intermetallic diffusion barrier layer to a metallic article is described. In many instances, protective coatings are incompatible with the material of the substrate to which they are applied. Such incompatibility is overcome in the invention through in situ formation of an intermediate stable diffusion barrier layer by sequential deposition and subsequent reaction of suitable metals to form a continuous intermetallic layer. A conventional overlay coating may then be applied to the intermetallic layer without risk to the underlying substrate. The invention also contemplates creation of unitary diffusion barriers from multi-layer deposits; deposition of plural diffusion barriers, and formation of complete protective systems comprising substrate, diffusion barrier(s) and overlay coating prior to heat treatment in situ.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetoresistance effect element which has a film with a spin valve structure or an artificial lattice film having good soft magnetic characteristics, and which can be applied to a high-sensitivity magnetic head. The present invention provides a magneto-resistance effect element including a stacked film formed on a substrate by sequentially stacking a ferromagnetic film containing as its main constituents at least one elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, and Ni, a nonmagnetic film, and the ferromagnetic film, wherein the two ferromagnetic films are not coupled with each other, and the closest packed plane of each ferromagnetic film is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film surface.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprised of (i) a non-magnetic substrate such as glass or carbon, (ii) a silicon layer preferably having a thickness of about 20-3,000 angstroms, formed on the substrate, (iii) a layer composed of at least one element of the platinum group of the periodic table or its alloy or carbon, formed on the silicon layer, wherein the platinum group element or alloy is at least partially silicified with silicon diffusing from the adjacent silicon layer, and the carbon is rendered at least partially amorphous with silicon diffusing from the adjacent silicon layer, (iv) an undercoat composed of chromium or its alloy, formed on the layer of a platinum group element or alloy or carbon, (v) a magnetic layer composed of a cobalt alloy, formed on the undercoat, (vi) a protective carbon overcoat formed on the magnetic layer, and (vii) an optional lubricating layer formed on the protective overcoat.