Recovery of soft magnetic properties of FeNiSm films by Ta interlayer

► FeNiSm film shows a spin reorientation transition with increasing film thickness. ► Growth of columnar FeNi grains is responsible for the spin reorientation. ► Perpendicular anisotropy of FeNiSm film can be canceled by insertion of a Ta layer. ► In-plane uniaxial anisotropy of FeNiSm is achieved as Ta interlayer is inserted.