Control of ferromagnetic properties of Ni_(80)Fe_(20) thin films by voltage-induced oxidation

摘要

We demonstrate large voltage-induced changes of magnetic properties in thin films of Ni80Fe20 (permalloy) when gated using an ionic liquid medium [1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI)]. The coercivity and magnetic moment of 5 nm thick permalboy films could be reduced by 75% and 35%, respectively, by using applied voltages. These changes were partially restored by reversing the potential polarity. Electrochemical, time-course magnetometry and surface analysis measurements suggest that the voltage-induced changes are due to changes in the oxidation state at the surface of the film, causing a thinning of the permalloy layer. The control of soft magnetic properties with low voltages may be of use in tuneable devices. Published by AIP Publishing.