Magnetic multilayers and compositionally modulated films

The authors discuss the fabrication and characterization of some cobalt-based multilayer (ML) systems which exhibit interesting properties such as reduced magnetizations, induced anisotropy, and structural changes. Attention is focused on Co/W and Co/Cr systems with some discussion of Co/Al. The systems have been prepared by sputter deposition with a wide range of periodicity and characterized by microstructural investigations and by magnetic measurements. The films have periodic structures even at small wavelengths and show that conventional sputtering techniques can produce well-defined systems. Interesting magnetic and structural behavior has been observed, including the development of perpendicular anisotropy, the loss of moment at interfaces, and symmetry changes in the amorphization of MLs at certain periodicities and wavelengths