Notes: We present an optimization of long-throw sputter-deposited Cr/CoCrPt films, specifically for (lifted-off) hard bias applications in an AMR/GMR head. Deposition was carried out in the target-to-substrate (T/S) range of 7–9 in., with pressure down to 0.25 mTorr. On increasing the T/S by 1 in., a 5% reduction in coercivity was observed, and shown to be only partially explained by the deposition rate reduction. On the other hand, lower gas pressure during the CoCrPt deposition significantly increased the coercivity. Higher target power and higher substrate bias also increased the coercivity. All the observed T/S, pressure, target power, and bias dependencies suggest enhanced coercivity is associated with higher CoCrPt adatom mobility. X-ray diffraction data showed the relative intensity of the (0002) to the (1010) peak to be decreased both with higher CoCrPt deposition power or substrate bias; more in-plane c-axis texture could explain the increased coercivity. A sputter etch of the wafer before Cr deposition increased the coercivity by about 300 Oe. A combination of these techniques may be used to compensate for the deterioration in magnetic properties due to the long-throw. Optimal properties of 1790 Oe coercivity and 3.5 memu/cm2 Mrt were achieved. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: We present the properties of dc magnetron sputter-deposited 45% Ni-55% Fe. Optimal magnetic properties obtained in 1.4 μm films were: 4πMs∼16.4 kG, Hce∼3.7 Oe, Hch∼0.8 Oe, Hk∼9.6 Oe, at a deposition rate of 29 Å/s. A linear designed experiment revealed that: higher gas pressure significantly lowers both Hce and Hk; higher (rf) substrate bias increases α90 and Hch, while decreasing Hk; and higher substrate magnetic field worsens Hch and α90. Augmentation of the experimental matrix and analysis of higher order terms implied that a combination of intermediate pressure and small bias provides optimal magnetic properties. From x-ray diffraction, the 45–55 NiFe is fcc, with lattice parameter 3.578–3.584 Å, in fair agreement with the bulk value of ∼3.585 Å. Grain sizes in the range 150–180 Å were estimated. Analysis of the (111): (200) peak intensity ratio showed that higher substrate bias or lower pressure both significantly enhance the (111) texture. Correlation was observed between the magnetics and the crystalline texture; less [111] texture gives lower coercivity. Data on 2000 Å films for seedlayer applications are also presented. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: A detailed investigation of the correlation among intrinsic stress (σint), nonuniform stress (σnu), and phonon lifetime (1/Γ) was performed in order to obtain a coherent and comprehensive picture of the microstructure of diamond thin films grown by the electron cyclotron resonance-assisted chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD) technique. It was found that the diamond growth taking place by the ECR-CVD is different to that taking place by the microwave CVD and hot-filament CVD. Point and line defects, rather than sp2 C bonds, were found to be the dominant source of both nonuniform stress and reduced phonon lifetime. The surface relaxation mechanism in these films yields sp2 C at the expense of strained sp3 C, resulting in a trade off between diamond yield and crystalline quality. The diamond precursor that spontaneously forms on the unseeded substrates yielded higher quality diamond than planted diamond seeds. The grain boundary relaxation model proposed by Hoffman accounts well for the observed behavior of the intrinsic stress, thus indicating that microstructural restructuration takes place at the grain boundaries when sufficient time and thermal energy are provided. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: At Deobhog, migmatitic gneisses and granulites of the Eastern Ghats Belt are juxtaposed against a cratonic ensemble of banded augen gneiss, amphibolite and calcsilicate gneiss, intruded by late hornblende granite and dolerite. In the migmatitic gneiss unit, early isoclinal folds (syn-D1M and D2M) are reoriented along N–S-trending and E-dipping shear planes (S3M), with (S1M–S3M) intersection lineations having steep to moderate plunges. The near-peak P–T  condition was syn-D3M (≥900 °C, 9.5 kbar), as inferred from syn-D3M Grt+Opx-bearing leucosomes in mafic granulites, and from thermobarometry on Grt (corona)–Opx/Cpx–Pl–Qtz assemblages. The P–T  values are consistent with the occurrence of Opx–Spr–Crd assemblages in spatially associated high-Mg–Al pelites. A subsequent period of cooling followed by isothermal decompression (800–850 °C, c. 7 kbar) is documented by the formation of coronal garnet and its decomposition to Opx+Pl symplectites in mafic granulites. Hydrous fluid infiltration accompanying the retrograde changes is manifested in biotite replacing Opx in some lithologies.The cratonic banded gneiss–granite unit also documents two phases of isoclinal folding (D1B & D2B), with the L2B lineation girdle different from the lineation spread in the migmatitic gneiss unit. Calcsilicate gneiss (Hbl–Pl–Cpx–Scap–Cal) and amphibolite (Hbl–Pl±Grt±Cpx) within banded gneisses record syn-D2B peak metamorphic conditions (c. 700 °C, 6.5 kbar), followed by cooling (to c. 500 °C) manifested in the stabilization of coronal clinozoisite–epidote. The D3B shear deformation post-dates granite and dolerite intrusions and is characterized by top-to-the-west movement along N–S-trending, E-dipping shear planes. Deformation mechanisms of quartz and feldspar in granites and banded gneisses and amphibole–plagioclase thermometry within shear bands in dolerites document an inverted syn-D3B thermal gradient with temperature increasing from 350 to 550 °C in the west to ≥700 °C near the contact with the migmatitic gneiss unit. The thermal gradient is reflected in the stabilization of chlorite after hornblende in S3B shears to the west, and post-D2B neosome segregation along D3B folds and shears to the east.The contrasting lithologies, early structures and peak metamorphic conditions in the two units indicate unconnected pre-D3P–T –deformation histories. The shared D3 deformation in the two units, the syn-D3 inverted thermal gradient preserved in the footwall cratonic rocks and the complementary cooling and hydration of the hanging wall granulites across the contact are attributed to westward thrusting of ‘hot’ Eastern Ghats granulites on ‘cool’ cratonic crust. It is suggested that the Eastern Ghats migmatitic gneiss unit is not a reworked part of the craton, but a para-autochthonous/allochthonous unit emplaced on and amalgamated to the craton.

Notes: One thousand cervical smears from women who took part in a hospital-based screening programme for early detection of cervical cancer were studied for the presence of nuclear grooves. Grooved nuclei were frequently detected in intermediate cells in all phases of the menstrual cycle, although their frequency of occurrence was slightly lower in the luteal and premenstrual phases. The mean number of nuclear grooves varied from 3.6 to 4.2 in different phases of the menstrual cycle. The differences, however, were not statistically significant. The presence of nuclear grooves in cervical cells appears to be a non-specific finding at present.

Notes: This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic response, as perceived by patients and their general practitioners, to a supraregional residential pain management programme (INPUT). Twenty patients who completed the INPUT programme and their general practitioners, were sent locally designed questionnaires. Eighteen patients and 16 general practitioners responded. Patients were assessed for the effects of the programme on a wide variety of treatment targets reflecting quality of life. General practitioners were questioned about changes in dependence upon healthcare services. The mean time from attending INPUT to assessment was 11.4 (5.7) months. Thirteen patients indicated a moderate or maximal improvement in quality of life. General practitioners reported a reduced use of healthcare services and improvement in quality of life. The majority of our patients attending INPUT gained benefits that improved their quality of life. Healthcare services appeared to benefit from the patients' greater independence in managing their symptoms.