Strain-induced anisotropy in thin metallic films structured by the atomic saw method

The structurization of thin Co and Fe magnetic layers (Au/Co/Au/MgO and Pd/ Fe/MgO) into micronic to nanometric scale ribbons by the so-called atomic s aw method induces a strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in these two kinds of systems. In both cases, the anisotropy is assumed to originate from magn etoelastic effects, locking the magnetization along the stripes in the Co f ilms, and perpendicular to the stripes in the Fe films. The atomic saw proc ess was seen to enhance an anisotropic relief of the strain field in the ca se of thin iron films. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.