Competing interface and bulk anisotropies in Co-rich TbCo amorphous thin films
K A Thórarinsdóttir1, B R Thorbjarnardóttir1, U B Arnalds1
1Science Institute, University of Iceland, Dunhaga 3, IS-107 Reykjavik, Iceland.
Summary
Amorphous TbCo films exhibit temperature-controlled spin reorientation transitions, influenced by thickness and composition. Interfaces in TbCo/CoAlZr multilayers are crucial for achieving perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Magnetism
Background:
- Amorphous magnetic materials like TbCo films are technologically relevant.
- Understanding magnetic anisotropy is key to designing spintronic devices.
- The interplay of bulk and interface effects influences magnetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the magnetic properties of amorphous TbCo films.
- To explore the influence of composition and thickness on magnetic anisotropy.
- To examine the role of interfaces in achieving perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in multilayers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of amorphous TbCo films with varying composition (8-12 at% Tb) and thickness (5-100 nm).
- Characterization of magnetic properties, focusing on anisotropy and magnetization.
- Investigation of TbCo/CoAlZr multilayers to assess interface effects.
Main Results:
- A competition between perpendicular bulk and in-plane interface anisotropy was observed.
- A temperature-controllable spin reorientation transition (in-plane to out-of-plane) was demonstrated.
- Perpendicular anisotropy was achieved in TbCo/CoAlZr multilayers, attributed to TbCo interfaces.
Conclusions:
- The magnetic properties of TbCo films are tunable via composition, thickness, and temperature.
- Interfaces play a critical role in determining the effective magnetic anisotropy of multilayer structures.
- TbCo interfaces are essential for inducing perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in TbCo/CoAlZr systems.
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