It is very likely that there would be oxidation of permalloy thin films once they are taken out of the EBPVD chamber. We don't want layers of coating on top of our permalloy samples. What would be a way apart from that to prevent the samples from oxidation?
The formation of a thin oxide layer on the surface of a sample as soon as it is taken out of a vacuum chamber is normal and unavoidable. In my view you can try to mitigate this effect but not avoid.
I recommend to keep the sample in high vacuum waiting the cooling (T sample < 30°C) before venting the chamber. Lower the temperature of the samples lower the oxidation tendency.
Vent the chamber with Argon or Nitrogen, never vent with air.
Put a protective chemical on the surface of your samples immediately after extraction from the chamber like wax, oil ... to keep out oxygen.
BR Simone.
For protection, we usually apply a thin film of amorphous carbon to the sample. The easiest way to apply it is from a volt arc, which can be ignited between two electrodes. Or use existing evaporators. If carbon cannot be applied, you can apply KCL, NaCl, or try to spray with any polymer.
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