Magnetic properties and microstructure of L1-FePt/AlN perpendicular nanocomposite films

Abstract

Based on interfacial manipulation of a MgO (100) substrate and non-magnetic AlN compound, L10-FePt/AlN perpendicular nanocomposite films were designed and prepared. Systematic studies on magnetic properties and microstructure of the films show that the MgO substrate controls crystal orientation of the FePt lattice and induces perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The AlN compound helps to control the island growth mode and acts as isolators of FePt islands to pin the sites of FePt domains, resulting in manipulation of coercivity and magnetic exchange interaction of the films. Moreover, PMA of the film was optimized by appropriately decreasing film thickness or increasing substrate temperature.