The effect of magnetic layer thickness on magnetic properties of Fe/Cu multilayer nanowires

Fe/Cu multilayer nanowires were ac-pulse electrodeposited into the anodic aluminum oxide templates prepared by a two-step mild anodization technique. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the distinct layers with a relatively high contrast. A highly pure layer (∼99%) was achieved by tuning the proper ions ratio and optimizing the off-time between pulses of each layer in the single electrodeposition bath. Fe/Cu multilayer nanowires with 38 nm diameter were obtained. The effect of reducing the Fe layer thickness on the magnetic properties of Fe/Cu multilayer nanowires was investigated. It was seen that reducing the Fe layer thickness, thereby variation of rode- to disc-like multilayer nanowires, caused to rotate the magnetic easy axis from parallel to perpendicular to the wires axis.