Effect of a composition gradient on the magnetoelastic sensitivity of Ni-Fe films

Measurements of the magnetoelastic sensitivity of electrodeposited 1 μ cylindrical Ni-Fe films indicate that the magnetostriction of these films becomes more positive upon annealing. A composition gradient has been observed through the thickness of these films. In addition, electron diffraction results indicate that the composition gradient is substantially reduced during an anneal at 250 °C. To understand the change in magnetoelastic sensitivity the effect of the composition gradient has been considered. The change in the magnetoelastic sensitivity due to the elimination of the composition gradient is shown to be in agreement with observed changes.