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Intra-grain perpendicular percolated L1₁ CoPt thin films
Fu-Te Yuan1, An-Cheng Sun, C F Huang
1iSentek Ltd, Advanced Sensor Laboratory, New Taipei City 22101, Taiwan.
Nanotechnology
|March 28, 2014
Summary
Ultrathin magnetic films of Cobalt-Platinum with Magnesium Oxide (CoPt:MgO) show enhanced perpendicular magnetic properties. This breakthrough offers potential for ultrahigh-density data storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High magnetic anisotropy (high-Ku) materials are crucial for advanced magnetic storage.
- Developing ultrathin films with improved perpendicular magnetic properties is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize ultrathin (2 nm) CoPt:MgO magnetic films with enhanced perpendicular magnetic properties.
- To investigate the role of MgO doping and post-annealing on the microstructure and magnetic behavior.
Main Methods:
- Sputter deposition of L1₁ CoPt:MgO on a MgO(111) substrate at 350°C.
- Post-annealing treatment to induce MgO dopant segregation.
- Characterization of magnetic properties (coercivity, remanence ratio, magnetization) and microstructure (surface roughness, MgO precipitation).
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrathin (2 nm) CoPt:MgO films with high magnetic anisotropy (Ku ~ 10^7 erg cm⁻³).
- Demonstrated an order of magnitude increase in out-of-plane coercivity compared to binary CoPt films.
- Observed a remanence ratio near unity, reduced in-plane magnetization, and sharp perpendicular magnetic reversal.
- Microstructural analysis revealed MgO precipitates forming coherent interfaces and acting as domain wall pinning sites.
Conclusions:
- Optimized post-annealing leads to MgO precipitation, creating effective pinning sites that enhance perpendicular magnetic properties.
- The simple fabrication process and superior magnetic characteristics make these ultrathin films promising for ultrahigh-density recording applications.
