Temperature dependence of magnetic hysteresis of RCox:Co nanocomposites (R=Pr and Sm)

The temperature dependence of magnetic hysteresis of ${\mathrm{RCo}}_x:\mathrm{Co}$ (R=Pr and Sm) nanocomposite films is reported. These films are prepared by dc and rf sputtering and subsequent thermal processing. It is found that the squareness of the hysteresis loops deteriorates with decreasing temperature. This is attributed to the enhanced magnetic anisotropy of the hard phases at low temperatures. The analysis of the magnetic reversal process shows that the anisotropy enhancement leads to a transition from cooperated to independent behavior. This analysis agrees well with the experimental results.