Magneto-optical properties of nanocomposite films obtained by partial reduction of (Ni,Mg)O and (Co,Mg)O solid solutions

Abstract

Metal-ceramic nanocomposite films consisting of either Ni or Co particles embedded in a MgO matrix were produced by two techniques involving the partial reduction of a mixed oxide solid solution. Transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr rotation measurements were used to characterize the films. The metallic particles were well dispersed in the films, resistant to subsequent re-oxidation, with their size controlled by choice of processing conditions. The coercive field of the samples is influenced by the residual strain arising from the coefficient of thermal expansion difference between the film and the substrate upon which it is deposited. Large magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr rotations are achieved for relatively thick nanocomposite samples as compared to pure metallic films.