Magnetic Microstructure Observations Of Co-Cr-Ta Films Using Neutron Scattering

Using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), we examined the magnetic microstructure of Co-12 at. % Cr-2 at. % Ta films sputter-deposited at 200 degrees C. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the presence of highly Co-enriched regions produced by compositional separation. The SANS spectrum exhibited a main magnetic scattering peak corresponding to a size of several nm in the magnetic microstructure. This is indicative of a fine and uniform distribution of Co-enriched regions suitable for high-density magnetic recording. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.