EFFECT OF ALN FILM ON THE MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF RARE EARTH-TRANSITION METAL-FILM

The amorphous TbFeCo films covered with the protective AlN films have been prepared by the rf magnetron sputtering system. It is found that the protective AlN films not only protect rare earth elements from oxi dation and enhance magneto-optical Kerr effect but also affect the mag netic properties of the rare earth-transition metal films. The coerciv ity H-c and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy constants K-u1' a nd K-u2 of the films are changed with the thickness of the protective AlN films. It can be explained according to the stress mechanism and t he model of single ion anisotropy.