High-density Magnetic Storage Devices Research Articles

Ab Initio Studies of Mechanical, Dynamical, and Thermodynamic Properties of Fe-Pt Alloys.

The density functional theory (DFT) framework in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) was employed to study the mechanical, dynamical, and thermodynamic properties of the ordered bimetallic Fe-Pt alloys with stoichiometric structures Fe3Pt, FePt, and FePt3. These alloys exhibit remarkable magnetic properties, high coercivity, excellent chemical stability, high magnetization, and corrosion resistance, making them potential candidates for application in high-density magnetic storage devices, magnetic recording media, and spintronic devices. The calculations of elastic constants showed that all the considered Fe-Pt alloys satisfy the Born necessary conditions for mechanical stability. Calculations on macroscopic elastic moduli showed that Fe-Pt alloys are ductile and characterized by greater resistance to deformation and volume change under external shearing forces. Furthermore, Fe-Pt alloys exhibit significant anisotropy due to variations in elastic constants and deviation of the universal anisotropy index value from zero. The equiatomic FePt showed dynamical stability, while the others showed softening of soft modes along high symmetry lines in the Brillouin zone. Moreover, from the phonon densities of states, we observed that Fe atomic vibrations are dominant at higher frequencies in Fe-rich compositions, while Pt vibrations are prevalent in Pt-rich.

Structural analysis, ferroic properties with enhanced magnetoelectric coupling in novel (1-x)BiFeO3-(x)GdFeO3 nanocomposites

Multiferroic composites exhibit substantially greater magnetoelectric interaction among order variables as compared to single-phase multiferroics, making them particularly attractive for futuristic multi-state RAM and spintronic gadgets. The multiferroic nanocomposites (1-x)BiFeO3-xGdFeO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, & 0.20) are synthesized by using solid-state route. The crystallographic and profile parameters are extracted from the dual-phase refinement of the rhombohedral (R3c) and orthorhombic (Pbnm) crystal structures. The optimized density, crystallite size and homogenous microstructure may be responsible for the improved dielectric and ferroic properties. TEM images reveal a reduction in the particle size (67–59 nm) upon GdFeO3 (GFO) loading. The HRTEM images unravel the interplanar spacing and associated Bragg planes, while the SAED rings validate the polycrystalline features of the samples. The high Curie temperature (Tc ̴ 643 °C) with enhanced specific heat (Cp ̴ 29.5 J/g°C) in x= 0.10 sample ensures its stable operation, efficient heat dissipation, minimal overheating, and greater thermal stability for reliable performance in demanding conditions. The surface and finite-size effects enhanced the magnetization (MS=1.04emu/g) in nanostructured ferromagnetic nanocomposite, making it a promising candidate for high-density magnetic storage devices and sensors. The high polarization (Pmax=8.39µC/cm2) and ME-coupling coefficient (αE=0.16mVcm−1Oe−1) observed in the most dense nanocomposite make it a potential candidate for magnetoelectric applications.

Structural characterization of ultrathin diamond-like carbon overcoats for high areal density magnetic recording

This paper reports a comprehensive study on chemical structures of ultrathin diamond-like carbon (DLC) overcoats for high areal density magnetic recording. The DLC overcoats were fabricated in a range of thicknesses between 0.5 and 5.0 nm with Si interlayer on NiFe substrates using a pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc (PFCVA) technique. The overcoat thicknesses were accurately determined by high–resolution transmission electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence techniques. The surface morphology, chemical composition, microstructure, and tribological properties were systematically investigated by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure, Raman spectroscopy techniques, and a reciprocating wear test. The results showed that the surface morphologies of DLC overcoats were atomically smooth with a root mean square surface roughness below 0.23 nm. The DLC overcoats had high sp3 bonds fraction. However, as the overcoat thickness was thinner than 1 nm, the sp2 bonds fraction suddenly increased resulting in a significant increase in the coefficient of friction. The obtained results demonstrated the limitation of the thickness of the DLC overcoat fabricated by the PFCVA technique as a protective coating for high–density magnetic storage devices.

Effective modulating the electronic and magnetic properties of VI3 monolayer: A first-principles calculation

Exploring a two-dimensional ferromagnetic material with a high Curie temperature and large magnetic anisotropy energy is still challenging. Here, we implement an effective adjustment on the electronic and magnetic properties of VI 3 monolayer by means of first-principles calculation. The results indicate that the most stable structure of VI 3 monolayer is particularly susceptible to the calculation parameter such as Hubbard U and the spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Ultimately, under density functional theory (DFT) +U + SOC (U = 3 eV), the most stable structure of VI 3 monolayer is a ferromagnetic semiconductor with a direct band gap of 0.51 eV, and the predicted Curie temperature ( T C ) is 29 K. Biaxial strain and carrier doping could not only induce VI 3 monolayer FM-AFM-FM transition, but also effectively increase T C to 123 K under 0.5 electron doping. Meanwhile, carrier hoping realizes the potential ferromagnetic half-metal. Fortunately, in the constructing alloy monolayer, the VTaI 6 monolayer is found a ferromagnetic half-metal under DFT + U (U = 3, 1 eV for V and Ta), and the T C is increased to 74 K. Moreover, VTaI 6 monolayer possesses a large in-plane magnetic anisotropy energy (IMA) and its physical origin is explained in detail based on the second-order perturbation theory . These findings suggest that VI 3 monolayer has a potential application in the spintronics and high-density magnetic storage devices. • The most stable structure of VI 3 monolayer is very susceptible to the calculation parameters such as Hubbard U value and spin-orbit coupling effect. • Carrier doping can make the VI 3 system generate potential half-metallic characteristics, while biaxial strain maintains its semiconductor properties. • Biaxial strain and carrier doping could not only induce FM-AFM-FM transition, but also carrier doping make T C increase by 3–4 times. • The VTaI 6 monolayer is a FM half-metal and possesses a large in-plane magnetic anisotropy energy (−6.505 meV).

Magnetic properties of ordered array of nanobumps of [Co/Ni]4, 10, 20 multilayers

Recently, bit patterned media (BPM) have been projected as one of the promising media for high density magnetic storage devices. In this work, we have studied the magnetic properties of Co/Ni multilayers-based BPM. Thin films of [Co(0.3 nm)/Ni(0.6 nm)]4, 10, 20 multilayers (MLs) were deposited on the barrier layer of an ordered array of nano-bump of anodic alumina (AAO) template using dc magnetron sputtering. From the measurement of room temperature magnetization hysteresis (M − H) curves, it is observed that [Co(0.3nm/Ni(0.6 nm)] nano bumps with N = 4 and 10 bi-layers exhibit magnetic isotropy behavior but, nanobumps with N = 20 bi-layers is found to display perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with an anisotropy constant (Ku) of 1.90 × 105 erg/cm3. The value of coercivity (HC) and squareness increases up to N = 10 bi-layers and then it further decreases for N = 20 bi-layer. The value of HC is found to be in the range of 100–200 Oe. The post-annealing of the nano-bumps enhances the coercivity but it destroys the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The obtained magnetic properties parameters on nano-bumps are compared with the properties of the same multilayers deposited on a flat Si substrate. It is observed that the values of HC for Co/Ni nanobumps was found to be higher in comparison to the films deposited on flat Si substrates, but squareness (MR/MS) and Ku were found to be lower.

Endohedral metallofullerene single molecule magnets

Nanoscale magnetic materials have been attracting enormous interests during the past few decades due to the rapid development of high-density magnetic storage devices. A breakthrough in nanomagnetism is the discovery of single molecule magnets (SMMs), which exhibit slow relaxation and quantum tunneling of the magnetization resulted from a molecular-based blocking anisotropy, and thus have potential applications in high-density data storage, molecular spintronics and quantum computing. Since the report of Mn12-complex as the first SMM by Sessoli et al. in 1993, a large number of SMMs based on organometallic coordination compounds have been synthesized. Compared to the traditional bulk magnets, the magnetic properties of SMMs are determined by their instrinsic spin structures resulting in slow magnetic relaxation. SMM is characterized by a bi-stable magnetic ground state and a certain spin-reversal barrier ( U eff). Additionally, hysteresis loops can be observed below the blocking temperature ( T B). Therefore, SMMs with excellent magnetic properties always have high T B and U eff. U eff depends strongly on spin ground state ( S ) and magneto-crystalline anisotropy ( D ), and can be expressed with the formula U eff =| D|S 2. For transition metal-based SMMs, their low magneto-crystalline anisotropies ( D ) result in relative low U eff. In recent years, lanthanide based SMMs have been studied intensively and become the most promising high-performance SMMs, owning to their strong single ion anisotropy. Encapsulating metal atoms or metallic clusters into fullerene cages generate a special class of fullerenes, the so-called endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs), for which the encapsulation of metal atoms endow EMFs more fascinating properties compared to empty fullerenes. For instance, EMFs are paramagnetic when the entrapped metal ions have unpaired electrons. Furthermore, EMFs were able to show excellent SMM properties when the encapsulated clusters induce appropriate ligand-fields. EMFs with lanthanide open up a new avenue in the field of SMMs in 2012 when single molecule magnetism was proved for the metal nitride clusterfullerene (NCF) DySc2N@ I h-C80. Fullerene cages are stable in air and thus they can protect the magnetic ions from ambient conditions, and the negatively charged nonmetallic atom(s) within the cluster and the negatively charged carbon atoms of fullerene cages provide magnetic anisotropy which is necessary for single molecule magnetism. Moreover, the molecular structures of EMFs can be modulated by varying the encapsulated metal ions, metal cluster and cage isomer; hence the research on EMF-SMMs has been developed rapidly since 2012. Up to now, metal nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs), metal carbide clusterfullerenes (CCFs), metal oxide clusterfullerenes (OCFs), metal sulfide clusterfullerenes (SCFs), metal cyanide clusterfullerenes (CYCFs) and dimetallofullerenes (di-EMFs) have been confirmed as SMMs. In this paper, we present an exhaustive review on all kinds of EMF-SMMs reported to date including their 1D, 2D and 3D assemblies. We mainly discuss the influences of the types and the numbers of the encapsulated metal ions and non-metal atoms on the magnetic properties of EMF-SMMs. Finally, the prospects and challenges of EMF-SMMs are also discussed.

Low-field formation of room-temperature biskyrmions in centrosymmetric MnPdGa magnet

Magnetic skyrmions, a kind of localized spin texture topologically protected in magnetic materials, characterized by smaller size and much lower manipulating current density in comparison with ferromagnetic domain walls, are highlighted as potential information carriers for high-density magnetic storage devices. For technological applications, the stabilization of skyrmions in a temperature range around room temperature under a low magnetic field is essential. Here, we demonstrate the formation of magnetic biskyrmions in a low magnetic field at room temperature in a centrosymmetric hexagonal MnPdGa magnet via Lorentz transmission electron microscopy in combination with transport and magnetic measurements. High-density biskyrmions are generated at 300 K in a magnetic field of 0.15 T. In addition, biskyrmions can be generated from ferromagnetic domains and partly remained at zero field when the magnetic field is decreased. A large topological Hall resistivity is observed near room temperature. Furthermore, a wide temperature and magnetic-field window for biskyrmions is deduced from transport and magnetic properties. The simultaneous features of high-density and low magnetic field near room temperature in a single-component material make MnPdGa a promising candidate for future skyrmion-based topological spintronic applications.

In Situ Tuning of Magnetization and Magnetoresistance in Fe3O4 Thin Film Achieved with All-Solid-State Redox Device.

An all-solid-state redox device composed of Fe3O4 thin film and Li(+) ion conducting solid electrolyte was fabricated for use in tuning magnetization and magnetoresistance (MR), which are key factors in the creation of high-density magnetic storage devices. Electrical conductivity, magnetization, and MR were reversibly tuned by Li(+) insertion and removal. Tuning of the various Fe3O4 thin film properties was achieved by donation of an electron to the Fe(3+) ions. This technique should lead to the development of spintronics devices based on the reversible switching of magnetization and spin polarization (P). It should also improve the performance of conventional magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices in which the ON/OFF ratio has been limited to a small value due to a decrease in P near the tunnel barrier.

Chemical order and crystallographic texture of FePd:Cu thin alloy films

FePd thin films have been recently considered as promising materials for high-density magnetic storage devices. However, it is necessary to find a proper method of fabrication for the (001)-textured and chemically well-ordered alloy. In this paper, we present the detailed investigations of lattice parameters, chemical order degree, grain sizes, and crystallographic texture carried out on FePd alloys with 10 at.% of Cu addition. The initial [Cu(0.2 nm)/Fe(0.9 nm)/Pd(1.1 nm)]5 multilayers were thermally evaporated in an ultrahigh vacuum on MgO(100), Si(100), Si(111), and Si(100) covered by a 100-nm-thick layer of amorphous SiO2. In order to obtain a homogeneous FePd:Cu alloy, the multilayers were annealed in two different ways. First, the samples were rapidly annealed in nitrogen atmosphere at 600 °C for 90 seconds. Next, the long annealing in a high vacuum for 1 h at 700 °C was done. This paper focuses on quantitative investigations of the chemical order degree and crystallographic texture of ternary FePd:Cu alloys deposited on four different substrates. In order to obtain both quantities, we have taken a novel approach to consider the problem of dopant atoms located in the FePd structure. The studies of the structure were done using XRD performed with synchrotron radiation and pole figures measurements. We have found that the addition of Cu changes the FePd lattice parameters and lattice distortion. We have also shown that, using different substrates, it is possible to obtain a FePd:Cu alloy with different chemical order and texture. Moreover, it was observed that the texture category is substrate-dependent.

The protective properties of ultra-thin diamond like carbon films for high density magnetic storage devices

With the increase of magnetic storage density, the thickness of the protective diamond like carbon (DLC) film on the surfaces of head and disk is required as thin as possible. In this paper, the structure, mechanical properties and corrosion and oxidation resistance of ultra-thin DLC films are investigated. The ultra-thin DLC films were deposited by using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) technique. The exact thickness of the ultra-thin DLC film was determined by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Raman analysis indicates that the ultra-thin DLC film presents ta-C structure with high sp 3 fraction. In the wear test, a diamond tip was used to simulate a single-asperity contact with the film surface and the wear marks were produced on the film surface. The wear depths decrease with film thickness increasing. If the film thickness was 1.4 nm or above, the wear depth was much lower than that of Si substrate. This indicates that the ultra-thin DLC film with thickness of 1.4 nm shows excellent wear resistance. Corrosion tests in water and oxidation tests in air were carried out to investigate the diffusion barrier effect of the ultra-thin DLC films. The results show that the DLC film with thickness of 1.4 nm provides adequate coverage on the substrate and has good corrosion and oxidation resistance.

Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Ordered Cobalt–Magnetite Nanocable Arrays

Magnetically tunable, high-density arrays of coaxial nanocables within anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes have been synthesized. The nanocables consist of magnetite nanowires surrounded by cobalt nanotube sheaths and cobalt nanowires surrounded by magnetite nanotube sheaths. These materials are a combination of separate hard (Co) and soft (Fe3O4) magnetic materials in a single nanocable structure. The combination of two or more magnetic materials in such a radial structure is seen as a very powerful tool for the future fabrication of magnetoresistive, spin-valve and ultrafast spin-injection devices with nonplanar geometries. The nanocable arrays were prepared using a supercritical-fluid inclusion process, whereby the nanotube was first deposited onto the pore walls of the nanoporous membranes and subsequently filled with core material to form coaxial nanocables. In essence, this paper describes a technique for placing novel magnetic technologies into well-defined building blocks that may ultimately lead to new multifunctional devices, such as spin valves and high-density magnetic storage devices.

Production and Characterization of Single-Crystal FeCo Nanowires Inside Carbon Nanotubes

We describe the synthesis of novel monocrystalline FeCo nanowires encapsulated inside multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These FeCo nanowires exhibit homogeneous Fe and Co concentrations and do not contain an external oxide layer due to the presence of insulating nanotube layers. The method involves the aerosol thermolysis of toluene-ferrocene-cobaltocene solutions in inert atmospheres. The materials have been carefully characterized using state-of-the-art high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), electron diffraction, HREELS-STM elemental mapping, X-ray powder diffraction, and SQUID magnetometry. We noted that the formation of FeCo alloys occurs at relatively low pyrolytic temperatures (e.g., 650-750 degrees C). These single-crystal nanowires, which have not been reported hitherto, always exhibit the FeCo (110) plane parallel to the carbon nanotube axis. The FeCo nanomaterials have shown large coercive fields at room temperature (e.g., 900 Oe). We envisage that these aligned ferromagnetic nanowires could be used in the fabrication of high-density magnetic storage devices and magnetic composites.

Micromagnetics of longitudinal recording media

Future needs in high density magnetic storage devices require increases both in linear and track densities. The latest 1 Gigabit per square inch areal density for longitudinal media demonstrated by IBM has reduced the bit size to dimensions comparable to the characteristic micromagnetic length scales of todays media. Improvement or extension of the current recording limits requires detailed knowledge of micromagnetics and their manipulation or tailoring through the microstructure of the utilized magnetic thin films. There is a number of ways that these parameters can be controlled through the microstructure of the thin films including: chemical alloying, use of nucleating underlayers, and deposition parameters. Our investigation of written transitions recorded on a series of cobalt based alloys using Lorentz microscopy showed that the domain wall structures observed in the transition zones are very complex (Figure 1). The transition zones contain not only zig-zags shape 180° walls but also vortex structures and intermediate states between the two.