Magnetic and Magneto-Optical Properties of Mn(Sb_1-xBi_x) Thin Films

Abstract

Mn(Sb-Bi) alloy films with an NiAs-type structure were prepared by successive deposition of Mn layers onto Sb-Bi alloy layers, followed by annealing at temperatures up to 500oC. A single NiAs-type phase was obtained over the wide composition range 52≦Mn≦62 at%, 35≦Sb≦48 at%, 0≦Bi≦5 at%. Systematic experimental investigations of the magnetic and magneto-optical properties of these films were carried out. These investigations clarified (1) the dependences of M _s , H _c and K _u on composition, and (2) the dependence of θ _K on the composition and the wavelength λ (0.4 to 1.1 μm). The magnitudes of M _s and θ _K were found to depend on the Mn content. Maximum values of M _s and θ _K were 600 emu/cm ³ and 0.7° (at λ=0.633 μm) respectively for films containing 52 at% Mn. The maximum (positive) value of K _u (=1×10 ⁶ erg/cm ³ ) was obtained for films containing about 62 at% Mn.