Magnetization and magnetic anisotropy in Ni/Pd multilayer films

We have investigated magnetization and magnetic anisotropy in Ni/Pd multila yer films, prepared by de magnetron sputtering at 7 mTorr Ar sputtering pre ssure. Interestingly, enhanced magnetization was found in this system, due to the polarization of Pd. Delicate in situ stress and ex situ magnetostric tion measurements were performed to quantitatively determine the magnetoela stic contribution to the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in this system. The magnetoelastic anisotropy varied from 2.8 x 10(5) to 4.2 x 10(5) erg/cm (3), which was found to be 50 - 75% of the maximum anisotropy energy.