Abstract:

A series of hexagonal close-packed (HCP) Co-W thin films were deposited by sputtering on surface oxidized silicon substrates at 300℃. A linear dependency of saturation magnetization (M_s) on W content was found up to about 9~at.~pct W, and then it underwent an increased M_s vs. W content curve as compared to the initial linear dependency. The thermal magnetization technique was used to confirm that the increased M_s behaviour is correlated to the phase separation of the Co-W thin films. The phase separation behaviour was also found to be dependent on W content and the reason was discussed in detail. Finally an interesting composition range was suggested to be about 13at.pct-17 at. pct W for the Co-W thin films, in which they exhibit much higher magnetic anisotropy energy than Co-Cr thin films and improved phase separation.

Key words: Magnetic recording media, Phase separation, Thin film, Thermal magnetization