Partially Oxidized Fe-Co Medium with Perpendicular Anisotropy

Partially oxidized FeCo films were prepared by reactive rf magnetron sputtering, and their magnetic properties investigated. Changes in magnetic properties with different O2 pressures during sputtering and with Co content are described. The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy exhibited by films was postulated to originate in the shape anisotropy effect due to segregation of paramagnetic oxide material between FeCo grains, and magnetization is believed to occur by rotation. Such films are regarded as promising candidates for use in perpendicular magnetic recording media.