dc magnetron- and diode-sputtered polycrystalline Fe and amorphous Tb(FeCo) films: Morphology and magnetic properties

Abstract
We have prepared polycrystalline Fe and amorphous Tb(FeCo) films using both dc diode‐ and magnetron‐sputtering techniques. Magnetic properties and aging characteristics of these films were measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer and an automatic torque magnetometer. Film morphologies were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic and aging characteristics are closely correlated to the film morphology. It was also found that different sputtering methods can be tailored to produce a similar film morphology. Among the sputtering parameters, the Ar pressure during deposition at room or lower temperature strongly influences the film morphology.