Magnetic Properties of Co-Pt Nanopillars as Function of Lattice Parameter and Morphology of Pt Underlayer

Abstract

Pt thin films were exposed to Ar ion shower. The lattice spacing of Pt (111) increased with the duration of the ion shower treatment. The surface morphology was also modulated by the ion shower: the grain size was minimized when exposed to the ion shower for 8 min. The changes in the lattice spacing and surface morphology of the Pt layer resulted in changes in the structure and magnetic properties of Co-Pt nanopillars grown on its surface. The lattice spacing of Co-Pt (00.2) increased with the lattice spacing of Pt (111). Correlations were found between the magnetic properties of Co-Pt nanopillars and the structural properties of Pt underlayers and Co-Pt nanopillars. Coercivity increased with the lattice spacing of Co-Pt (00.2). Squareness increased with a decrease in the roughness of the Pt underlayer.