The effect of growth surface morphology on the crystal structure and magnetic property of L10 order PtFe layers deposited by magnetron sputtering

► L10 PtFe with (2 0 0) preferred orientation was obtained by annealing at only 500 °C. ► Rougher substrate surface inhibits formation of bigger columnar grains in Pt layer. ► Smaller columnar grains in Pt layer induce L10 PtFe with (2 0 0) preferred orientation. ► Magnetic coercivity of 3 layers L10 PtFe in and out plane models was 3.7 and 2.3 kOe.