Oxidation induced magnetic and structural changes in magneto-optical alloys

The oxidation kinetics of unovercoated TbFeCo alloys at 70°C is studied utilizing Kerr, VSM and ESCA measurements. In this manner the effect of oxidation-induced compositional modification on magneto-optical properties of the alloy are investigated. It is determined that oxygen diffusion leads to the formation of a structure consisting of a matrix of an oxide of Tb within which metallic Fe and Co are encountered. The presence of this complex matrix severely modifies the overall properties of the alloy.