title: Modular high-throughput test stand for versatile screening of thin-film materials libraries.
abstract: Versatile high-throughput characterization tools are required for the development of new materials using combinatorial techniques. Here, we describe a modular, high-throughput test stand for the screening of thin-film materials libraries, which can carry out automated electrical, magnetic and magnetoresistance measurements in the temperature range of -40 to 300 °C. As a proof of concept, we measured the temperature-dependent resistance of Fe-Pd-Mn ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy materials libraries, revealing reversible martensitic transformations and the associated transformation temperatures. Magneto-optical screening measurements of a materials library identify ferromagnetic samples, whereas resistivity maps support the discovery of new phases. A distance sensor in the same setup allows stress measurements in materials libraries deposited on cantilever arrays. A combination of these methods offers a fast and reliable high-throughput characterization technology for searching for new materials. Using this approach, a composition region has been identified in the Fe-Pd-Mn system that combines ferromagnetism and martensitic transformation.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Materials, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Sigurd
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thienhaus
authors.affiliation: Institute for Materials, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamann
authors.affiliation: Institute for Materials, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ludwig
keywords: Fe–Pd–Mn; combinatorial materials science; electrical measurements; ferromagnetic shape memory alloys; high-throughput characterization; magnetic measurements; thin films