Large Uniaxial Anisotropy Induced in Soft Ferromagnetic Thin Films by Oblique Deposition of Underlayer

We produced a large uniaxial anisotropy (Hk) in ultrathin (1.2-2.4 nm) soft ferromagnetic layers through the oblique deposition of a nanometer-thick metallic underlayer. Fe, Ni, and Ni80Fe20 (Permalloy) films deposited on a 5 nm thick Nb layer grown at an oblique angle (up to 60°) exhibit an Hk 40-500 Oe and have properties that are nearly ideal for use as a fixed layer in magnetic devices, such a...