Unidirectional magnetic anisotropy in amorphous Tb-Fe films

The torque curves (TC) of amorphous TbFe films with the thicknesses d=40-80 nm and compositions near room temperature compensation point were experimentally investigated. The films were evaporated by the electron-beam method. Unidirectional (exchange) anisotropy revealed in TC hysteresis is detected and explained by the strong chemical inhomogeneities of the films. The Fe inclusions are the characteristic peculiarity of Tb-Fe films. Their dimensions are determined by the preparation technique. The exchange field on Tb ions is estimated by using the temperature dependence of the TC amplitude as 1.1-1.3/spl middot/10/sup 6/ Oe.<
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