Magnetic Materials Thin Films and Particles

Abstract

High density recording materials for audio and video systems are comprised of magnetic materials in the form of thin films and particles. The magnetic properties of these systems are discussed. Materials systems used for tapes and disks include those based on iron oxide, chromium dioxide, ferrites, and iron‐ and cobalt‐based alloys. Metallic, ie, alloy‐based media are usually in the form of thin films, typically sputtered films having protective overcoats. Magnetic thin‐film deposition techniques are presented. The development of magnetooptical thin‐film material systems is of interest because of the need for greater capacity for the storage of digital information. Ferrimagnetic ternary amorphous alloys containing rare‐earth elements, as well as cobalt–platinum multilayers, are employed. Future developments are expected to focus on antiferromagnetically coupled superlattices exhibiting giant magnetoresistance. These magnetic superlattices are described.