Effect of high magnetic field on structure and magnetic properties of evaporated crystalline and amorphous Fe-Sm thin films

Crystalline and amorphous Fe-Sm thin films have been fabricated by using molecular beam vapor deposition method. Then, the effects of both variation of Sm content and application of high magnetic field during film growth on the structure and magnetic properties of the Fe-Sm films have been explored. The results show that bcc structure of the Fe-Sm films with 5.8% Sm transforms to amorphization with 33.0% Sm. Meanwhile, nanocrystallite is formed in the amorphous Fe-Sm films. However, no Fe-Sm compound exists with the change of Sm content and with the application of high magnetic field. Nevertheless, high magnetic field decreases interplanar spacing. The structural evolution has a significant effect on magnetic properties. Saturation magnetization decreases 290% from 1456 emu/cm³ to 373 emu/cm³ with the increase of Sm content from 5.8% to 33.0%. The coercivity increases 1225% from 20 Oe to 265 Oe. Meanwhile, both the saturation magnetization and coercivity of the films decrease with the application of high magnetic field. The reason has been discussed. - Highlights: • Bcc structure of Fe-Sm film with 5.8% Sm transforms to amorphization with 33.0% Sm. • M_S decreases 290% to 373 emu/cm³ with increasing Sm content from 5.8% to 33.0%. • Coercivity increases 1225% to 265 Oe when bcc structure transforms to amorphization. • Both M_S and coercivity are decreased with the application of high magnetic field.