Abstract
Ultrathin Co-Pt alloy films as substrate were studied by the surface magneto-optical Kerr effect. As the growth of Ni, the films show uniquely high polar Kerr responses without any in-plane signals. The coercivity decreased until the thickness of Ni film was higher than 5 ML. A new surface structure was discovered at 7-10 ML Ni/Co-Pt films by the low-energy electron diffraction. Interestingly, polar Kerr signal and coercivity of the 10 ML Ni/Co-Pt(1 1 1) template film reduced rapidly as Co films were further deposited onto only about 1-2 ML. Then the films show a canted magnetization with a rollback hysteresis in the polar configuration during the growth of Co. Coercivity of the 7 ML Co/Ni/Co-Pt film was found unusually down to almost 100 Oe.The corresponding magic number at around 7 ML of Co in the abnormal reduction of coercivity may be attributed to the cluster formations of Co.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e234-e237 |
Journal | Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials |
Volume | 303 |
Issue number | 2 SPEC. ISS. |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 Aug |
Keywords
- Cobalt-platinum alloys
- Coercivity
- Nickel-platinum alloys
- Surface magneto-optical Kerr effect
- Ultrathin films
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics