Microstructure and exchange anisotropy of Co-CoO films with perpendicular magnetization

Abstract
Microstructure and temperature dependence of magnetic properties of Co‐CoO films are studied. Columnar microstructure with chains of Co fine particles surrounded by CoO fine particles develops perpendicular to the film plane. Perpendicular anisotropy energy Ku takes a maximum value when the columnar diameter is minimum whose typical value is 1/20 of the film thickness. Change of magnetic domain structure with increasing Ku is studied. The perpendicular magnetization is restricted to the heterogeneous columnar microstructure. The perpendicular coercivity Hc decreases steeply with increasing temperature, that is associated probably with antiferromagnetic nature of CoO. Hc at room temperature increases after an annealing at 400–500 K.

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