Easy axis dispersion in high-moment Fe-Co-Ni thin films electrodeposited on various underlayers

Soft high-moment Fe-Co-Ni films (50-1200-nm thick) were electrodeposited on nonmagnetic (100-nm Cu), ferromagnetic F (100-nm Fe/sub 20/Ni/sub 80/), antiferromagnetic AF (10-nm FeMn) and composite F/AF (AF on top) underlayers. The influence of the underlayers on magnetic properties - in particular, dispersion of the easy axis, coercivity, anisotropy field, and permeability was investigated. FeCoNi films on F and F/AF underlayers exhibit a well-defined uniaxial anisotropy with very small easy axis dispersion and low easy axis coercivity. Films grown on Cu or FeMn underlayers show a larger easy axis dispersion with relatively high coercivity. F/F or AF/F coupling contribute to the smaller easy axis dispersion of films grown on F or F/AF underlayers, respectively. The narrower easy axis dispersion also improves the high frequency permeability.