Magnetic and Magneto-Optical Properties of Mn(Sb1-xBix) Thin Films

Mn(Sb-Bi) alloy films with an NiAs-type structure were prepared by successive deposition of Mn layers onto Sb-Bi alloy layers, followed by annealing at temperatures up to 500oC. A single NiAs-type phase was obtained over the wide composition range 52¿Mn¿62 at%, 35¿Sb¿48 at%, 0¿Bi¿5 at%. Systematic experimental investigations of the magnetic and magneto-optical properties of these films were carried out. These investigations clarified (1) the dependences of Ms, Hc and Ku on composition, and (2) the dependence of ¿K on the composition and the wavelength ¿ (0.4 to 1.1 ¿m). The magnitudes of Ms and ¿K were found to depend on the Mn content. Maximum values of Ms and ¿K were 600 emu/cm³ and 0.7° (at ¿=0.633 ¿m) respectively for films containing 52 at% Mn. The maximum (positive) value of Ku (=1×10⁶ erg/cm³) was obtained for films containing about 62 at% Mn.