Abstract
Co-Au multilayers with Co layer thicknesses between 22 and 5 ÅA, prepared by ion-beam sputtering, have an easy-plane magnetic anisotropy. Their saturation magnetization indicates the presence of diffuse interfaces, caused by ion-beam mixing. Annealing of the multilayers at 250-300°C leads to a perpendicular anisotropy for Co thicknesses below about 14 ÅA. This effect is attributed to a stronlgy enhanced interface anisotropy, which is due to sharpening of the interfaces as revealed by x-ray diffraction.
- Received 18 January 1988
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.60.2769
©1988 American Physical Society
