Strong magnetic scattering from TiO$_{x}$ adhesion layers

TL;DR

This study investigates how a thin Ti adhesion layer causes significant magnetic scattering in Au and Ag nanowires, affecting their electronic coherence and conductance fluctuations, with implications for understanding magnetic impurities at interfaces.

Contribution

It reveals the magnetic scattering effects of Ti adhesion layers on noble metal nanowires and links these effects to the oxidation state of Ti, a novel insight into interface-induced magnetic impurities.

Findings

Large magnetic impurity concentration due to Ti layer

Magnetic scattering linked to Ti oxidation state

Impact on electronic phase coherence in nanowires

Abstract

Electronic phase coherence in normal metals is incredibly sensitive to magnetic scattering. As a result, the weak localization magnetoresistance and time-dependent universal conductance fluctuations are powerful probes of magnetic impurities. We report measurements of these effects in Au and Ag nanowires with a 1.5 nm thick Ti adhesion layer underneath the deposited metal. The results indicate an anomalously large magnetic impurity concentration due to the Ti layer. Results suggest that this magnetic scattering and its evolution are related to the oxidation state of the Ti.