Mean-field analysis of amorphous rare earth-transition metal alloys for thermomagnetic recording

A mean-field model is developed for amorphous ferromagnetic materials with potential applications in thermomagnetic recording/magneto-optical readout systems. The emphasis is on the reduction of the number of adjustable parameters, so that important variables and their effects on magnetic properties can be investigated. The available experimental data on GdCo-, GdFe-, and TbFe-based alloys is compared with the model predictions and good agreement is obtained in all cases. Expressions for the exchange stiffness coefficient and macroscopic anisotropy energy constant are derived and the latter is compared with available experimental data. The results have been used to study domain wall characteristics of the three material systems.