Initial layer in FePt perpendicular media with different buffer layers

Abstract

The initial layer of FePt media on CuRu underlayer with different buffer layer was investigated. FePt film showed isotropic magnetisation behaviour when deposited directly on CrRu underlayer. With a 4 nm Pt buffer layer, even 3 nm thick FePt film possessed dominant out-of-plane anisotropy. It was found that the initial growth layer thickness (tinitial) in FePt was reduced from 1.4 nm to 0.8 nm with the Pt buffer layer. With MgO as buffer layer the tinitial was further reduced to 0.6 nm.