Origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and evolution of magnetic domain structure of amorphous Pr–TM–B (TM=Fe, Co) films

In this study, the deposition pressure dependence of the compositional ratio, magnetic domain structure, and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of B-containing PrFe- and PrCo-based films, which are rare-earth–transition-metal (RE–TM) films, was investigated. PrFe- and PrCo-based films were fabricated by magnetron sputtering. The film compositions were controlled in a wide range by varying the deposition pressure. On the basis of experimental results, the residual stress of the films was considered to be the possible origin of their PMA. The films showed strong magneto-optical effects over the entire wavelength range of 300–750 nm. Because of the excellent magnetic and magneto-optical (MO) properties of the films, they have high potential for MO applications at wavelengths of red and blue lasers.