Effect of added elements M(M=V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni) on soft magnetic properties of Fe-Zr-N films

The additives M(M=V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni), which are partially soluble in α-Fe, were added to Fe-Zr-N film, which exhibits excellent soft magnetic properties. The effects of adding these M elements on soft magnetic properties are discussed. All of the film containing additives within 10 at.% maintained excellent soft magnetic properties. All of the additives changed the saturation magnetostriction from negative to positive, and zero magnetostriction film was obtained by the addition of M between 0.5 and 1.5 at.%. The increase in electrical resistivity for film containing V, Cr, Mn, Ni is considered to be effective for reducing eddy current loss. Saturation magnetic flux densities (B_s) were maintained more than 13 kG by addition of M within 10 at.%. The addition of Co slightly increased B_s. These results suggest that the addition of these additives is effective for applications involving magnetic heads, used in high density magnetic recording systems because of their high resistivity and soft magnetic properties without large reductions in B_s