A study of the stability of Co-rich TbFeCo thin films

The effect of cobalt-content on the stability of Tb(Fe/sub 1-x/Co/sub x/), (x varying from 40 to 100%) thin films (about 100 nm thick) was investigated in relation to structural, chemical, and magnetooptic (MO) properties. Unprotected and SiO-protected films were prepared by electron-beam coevaporation, MO hysteresis loops were obtained with a polar Kerr-effect measurement system. Low-energy X-ray microprobe analysis and induced coupled plasma techniques were used for chemical analysis and structural properties were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Incubation tests were performed to follow the aging of the samples. Static electrochemical tests were carried out to determine their resistance to corrosion. An explanation of the results is proposed based on both oxygen species diffusion and structural modifications.<
>