Microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt/MgO multilayers deposited by RF magnetron sputtering

FePt (50 nm) and [FePt(a nm)/MgO(b nm)]5/glass (a=1, 2, 3; b=1, 2, 3) films were prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique, and then were annealed at 600°C for 30 min. The effect of MgO layer thickness on the structures and magnetic properties of the FePt/MgO multilayers was investigated. The coercivities and inter-grain interactions of the FePt/MgO films were decreased, yet the degree of (001) texturing drastically increased with the increase in MgO layer thickness when the FePt layer thickness was fixed. Thus, the FePt/MgO films with appropriate coercivities, high perpendicular anisotropy, and weak intergrain interactions were obtained by controlling the MgO layer thickness. Overall, these results indicate that the FePt/MgO nanostructured films are promising candidates for future high-density perpendicular recording media.