Soft magnetic properties of FeXGaSi (X=Ir, Rh) films

The soft magnetic properties and structure of FeGaSi based thin films containing up to 5.5 at.% Rh and 7.5 at % Ir were investigated. Films containing between 1.5 and 4.5 at.% Ir, after appropriate heat treatment, showed initial permeability of 1000-2000 at 10 MHz, and as high as 800 at 150 MHz, uniaxial anisotropy of 3-7 Oe, saturation magnetization > 14 kG, and thermal stability up to 550 degrees C. The Rh-containing films showed higher permeability at 10 MHz (2500-3000), similar saturation magnetization, but smaller uniaxial anisotropy (<2 Oe), and thermal stability up to 450 degrees C. It is suggested that both FeIrGaSi and FeRhGaSi have potential as films for metal laminated heads.<>