New magneto‐optic thin films for storage application

摘要

A new magneto‐optic thin film having a composition defined by Mnx(Cu1-y′Niy′)yBiz, where x+y+z=1, 0.15?x?0.70, 0.10?y?0.55, 0.11?z⩽0.55, and 0≪y′≪1, was prepared by vacuum deposition. In this composition range the film has a Curie point between 100 and 200 °C and satisfactorily large magneto‐optic figures of merit. It is stable against moisture. The maximum value of the magneto‐optic figure of merit 2F/α is 1.1 deg for a wavelength of 6328 Å, where F is the specific Faraday rotation and α is the absorption coefficient. The hysteretic characteristics of the film can be improved by adding Ti, V, or Cr. The film is suitable for a magneto‐optic storage medium.