Grain Isolation Control of FePt Thin Film by Using Ag Nucleation Layer

The multilayer films with structure of Glass/CrRu/MgO/Ag (0 or 3 nm)/FePt were prepared. It was found that the introduction of an ultrathin Ag nucleation layer could induce the grain isolation of the FePt films. The microstructure of the SEM and TEM images clearly demonstrated the FePt grains were well-isolated for film with Ag nucleation layer. The magnetic properties of the films were consistent with the microstructure of the films. The work demonstrated a different approach to isolate the FePt grains, the combination of this approach with the self-assembly has the potential to be used for magnetic recording media application.