Tetragonal distortion induced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in (Fe0.5Ni0.5)xRh1_x alloy thin films

We investigated the structural and magnetic properties of (Fe0.5Ni0.5)xRh1_x alloy thin films grown on MgO (100) substrate. The crystal lattice parameters of the alloy are tailored via the tetragonal distortion from the substrate by varying the composition. The change in the lattice parameters and compositions allowed us to control the magnetic properties as well. For thin films with a higher concentration of ferromagnetic content exhibit strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) was observed around 40% of FeNi. We show that the main contribution to the PMA around 40% FeNi is originated from the tetragonal distortion in the crystal, via first-principles calculations.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that the magnetic properties of (Fe0.5Ni0.5)xRh1_x alloy thin films can be controlled by changing the crystal lattice parameters and composition. Films with a higher concentration of ferromagnetic content exhibit strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy, while perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is observed around 40% of FeNi. The main contribution to the PMA around 40% FeNi is found to originate from the tetragonal distortion in the crystal, as shown through first-principles calculations.