Microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt film with combined MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) intermediate layers

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 2017-01, Vol.422, p.262-270
• Main Authors: Tsai, Jai-Lin, Tzeng, Jie-Lin, Hu, Keng-Chun, Li, Hsu-Kang, Pan, Zu-Yu, Chang, Yuan-Shuo, Liao, Chang-Chun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anisotropy; Coercivity; Copper; Diffraction; Ferrous alloys; Grains; Intermetallic compounds; Iron; Iron compounds; Magnetic anisotropy; Magnetic properties; Magnetism; Microstructure; Nickel; Platinum; Platinum compounds; Thickness
• ISSN: 0304-8853; 1873-4766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2016.09.003

The magnetic properties and microstructure of FePt films grown on MoC layer and MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) combined intermediate layers were studied. The (Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) layer with thickness of 5nm was deposited on CrRu seed layer at 395°C. The CrRu (200) texture was enhanced which may due to well grains growth in specific orientation and small lattice mismatch with (Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co). Finally, the FePt/MoC layers were deposited on (Mg–X)O layer at 425°C. Using MoC/MgCuO combined intermediate layers, the rocking width of FePt (001) and CrRu (200) diffraction peak were changed from 7.1° to 6.1°, and 5.7° to 3.8°, respectively. For MoC/MgCoO dual intermediate layers, the rocking width of FePt (001) and CrRu (200) diffraction peak were 6.7° and 4.1°. The FePt/MoC/MgCoO film illustrates perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with out-of plane coercivity of 9.3kOe which is higher than FePt film deposited on MoC layer (8.5kOe) and the in-plane loops is linear. From microstructure, the FePt grains were more separated on MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) combined intermediate layers. •The MgCoO intermediate layer was resisted the Cr diffusion.•The MgCoO capped layer promote the CrRu(200) texture.•The FePt film shows high perpendicular magnetization on MoC/MgCoO layer.