Hydrogenation induced reversible modulation of perpendicular magnetic coercivity in Pd/Co/Pd films

Abstract

In perpendicularly magnetized Pd/Co/Pd trilayers, the hydrogenation not only increased Kerr signal but also significantly enhanced the magnetic coercivity (HC) by 17%. The reversibility was demonstrated by cyclic H2 exposure. The time constants of hydrogen absorption and desorption effect on HC range from tens to hundreds seconds, depending on the H2 gas pressure. The magneto-optical Kerr signal and magnetic coercivity was simultaneously recorded during H2 absorption and desorption. These multifarious signals respond differently and provide a detailed understanding of hydrogenation effect on the functional Pd/Co/Pd trilayers.