The microstructure and magnetic properties of electroplated cobalt film for perpendicular magnetic recording

In this work, the results of a systematic study of the correlation between the microstructure and magnetic hysteretic properties of electroplated Co films [1] are reported. Based on this study, the origin of the perpendicular easy magnetization in the film is confirmed to be associated with the combined effects of crytalline and shape anisotropy of the Co particles in the film. The variations of the demagnetizing field, Hd, and coercivity, Hc, which would affect the application of the film in perpendicular magnetic recording are also demonstrated by manipulating the interparticle separation through systematic changes in the plating parameters and the post plating treatments.