Microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt film with combined MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) intermediate layers

The magnetic properties and microstructure of FePt films grown on MoC layer and MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) combined intermediate layers were studied. The (Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) layer with thickness of 5 nm was deposited on CrRu seed layer at 395 °C. The CrRu (200) texture was enhanced which may due to well grains growth in specific orientation and small lattice mismatch with (Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co). Finally, the FePt/MoC layers were deposited on (Mg–X)O layer at 425 °C. Using MoC/MgCuO combined intermediate layers, the rocking width of FePt (001) and CrRu (200) diffraction peak were changed from 7.1° to 6.1°, and 5.7° to 3.8°, respectively. For MoC/MgCoO dual intermediate layers, the rocking width of FePt (001) and CrRu (200) diffraction peak were 6.7° and 4.1°. The FePt/MoC/MgCoO film illustrates perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with out-of plane coercivity of 9.3 kOe which is higher than FePt film deposited on MoC layer (8.5 kOe) and the in-plane loops is linear. From microstructure, the FePt grains were more separated on MoC/(Mg–X)O (X=Cu, Ni, Co) combined intermediate layers. - Highlights: • The MgCoO intermediate layer was resisted the Cr diffusion. • The MgCoO capped layer promote the CrRu(200) texture. • The FePt film shows high perpendicular magnetization on MoC/MgCoO layer.