Graded Anisotropy FePtCu Films
Journal article, 2011

The fabrication and subsequent analysis of continuously graded anisotropy films are discussed. During deposition, a compositional gradient is first achieved by varying the Cu concentration from Cu-rich (Fe53Pt47)70Cu30 to Cu-free Fe53Pt47. The anisotropy gradient is then realized after thermal post-annealing, and by utilizing the strong composition dependence of the low-anisotropy (A1) to high-anisotropy (L10) ordering temperature. The magnetic properties are investigated by surface sensitive magneto-optical Kerr effect and alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM) measurements. AGM first-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements are employed in order to provide a detailed analysis of the reversal mechanisms, and therefore the induced anisotropy gradient. At low annealing temperatures, the FORC measurements clearly indicate the highly coupled reversal of soft and hard phases. However, significant interdiffusion results in virtually uniform films at elevated annealing temperatures. Additionally, the A1 to L10 ordering process is found to depend on the film thickness.

spintronics

magnetism

graded materials

Author

Randy K. Dumas

University of Gothenburg

Chaolin Zha

Yeyu Fang

University of Gothenburg

Valentina Bonanni

J. W. Lau

Josep Nogués

Johan Åkerman

University of Gothenburg

IEEE Transactions on Magnetics

0018-9464 (ISSN)

Vol. 47 6 1580-

Subject Categories

Condensed Matter Physics

DOI

10.1109/TMAG.2010.2102745

More information

Created

10/10/2017