Effect of oxidation on the magnetic properties of unprotected TbFe thin films

Journal Article · Sat Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.336519· OSTI ID:6180373

van Dover, R B; Gyorgy, E M; Frankenthal, R P; Hong, M; Siconolfi, D J

Amorphous Tb-Fe thin films prepared by dual magnetron cosputtering were exposed to air at 200 /sup 0/C in order to investigate the evolution of the films as they oxidize. Magnetic properties of the films were measured using a vibrating-sample magnetometer and torque magnetometer and are interpreted in light of the structure of the films as revealed by Auger electron spectroscopy and composition-depth profiling. This leads to a detailed and self-consistent description of the oxidation process. At first a uniform and homogeneous oxidation layer grows from the surface toward the substrate. This layer has a high magnetization and low intrinsic anisotropy and consists of an intimate mixture of oxidized Tb and metallic Tb/sub x/Fe/sub( 1-x/). The initially high intrinsic anisotropy of the unoxidized region decreases relatively quickly, while the composition changes only slowly as this region shrinks. When the oxidation layer reaches the substrate, two oxide phases (Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Tb/sub 2/O/sub 3/) begin to grow at the surface exposed to air.

• Research Organization: ATandT Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974
• OSTI ID: 6180373
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 59:4; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360104* -- Metals & Alloys-- Physical Properties
360105 -- Metals & Alloys-- Corrosion & Erosion
ALLOYS
AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
FILMS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
IRON ALLOYS
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
MAGNETIZATION
MAGNETOMETERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OXIDATION
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RARE EARTH ALLOYS
SPECTROSCOPY
SPUTTERING
TERBIUM ALLOYS