Magnetic Properties and Microstructure of Co-Cr Alloy Thin Films

The relation between the magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the microstructure of Co-Cr alloy thin films is discussed. From transmission electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that, though no relation exists between the c-axis orientation of the Co-Cr film and a columnar structure, the principal source of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was the crystal magnetic anisotropy. The Cr segregation and the magnetostrictive effect were also significant contributory factors.