Magnetic properties of amorphous Fe-Si thin films

Abstract

Magnetic properties of Fe1−xSix sputtered films were investigated in the range 0⩽x⩽0.43. The films were found to be amorphous for the compositions x⩾0.20. The magnetic moment change upon crystallization depends on x. The magnetostriction seems to be a predominant factor in determing the hysteresis loops. The films in the amorphous state are magnetically soft. An in-plane uniaxial anisotropy was observed. The direction of the easy axis depends upon x.