Exchange Coupled Films for Magnetooptic Recording Applications

The magnetic properties of exchange-coupled films are discussed from the viewpoint of applications in magnetooptic recording. Various magnetic properties, such as the magnetization process, coercive force, spin orientation and Curie temperature, can be controlled through the exchange coupling. The most important and useful application involves control of the temperature dependence of the coercive force in rare earth-transition metal amorphous films. Highly controlled thermomagnetic responses bring high performance as well as new functions to magnetooptic recording media. High recording sensitivity, overwriting capability and super-high magnetic resolution all become possible through the use of exchange-coupled multilayer films. Exchange-coupled films are also expected to be prime candidates for use in future magnetooptic recording systems employing blue-light lasers.