The effects of an applied magnetic field on the magnetic properties of RF sputtered amorphous CoZrNb thin films

Amorphous CoZrNb (CZN) thin films have the potential to be superior materials for high density magnetic recording heads. We have investigated the effects of the application of a magnetic field on the magnetic properties of RF sputtered amorphous CoZrNb thin films during deposition. A narrow range of sputter conditions has been found for depositing anisotropic amorphous films without an applied magnetic field. However, we have found that the range of optimum conditions can be extended significantly by applying a magnetic field during deposition. The primary effects of an applied magnetic field during deposition of CZN films are to induce uniaxial anisotropy and suppress crystallization.