Structure and magnetization in CoPd thin films and nanocontacts

We present results showing the structural and magnetic properties of MBE-grown extended films and nanostructured elements of various CoPd alloys. X-ray diffraction studies show that the thin films are polycrystalline, yet exhibit a strong preferential growth orientation along the (111) direction. Magnetic force microscopy and SQUID are used to gain an understanding of the magnetic behavior of the CoPd system with respect to competing anisotropy contributions, based on temperature-dependent SQUID data, collected between 4 and 300 K. The idea and potential implications of using CoPd as a contact material to achieve spin injection in carbon nanotube-based devices is discussed.

► In-plane magnetization of CoPd films increases with added Co content.
► Quasi single-domain nanostructures of Co50Pd50 exhibit almost no OOP component.
► Nanostructures exhibit decrease in coercive field with initial temperature decrease.
► Magnetic behavior is influenced by the anti-FM oxide and magnetoelastic effect.