Effect of W underlayer on the crystal orientation and microstructure of NdFeB thin films

The effects of W underlayer on the crystal orientation and microstructure of NdFeB thin films were studied. NdFeB films with excellent perpendicular orientation could be grown on W underlayer with (110) orientation. It is found that the magnetic properties of NdFeB films depended sensitively on the underlayer thickness. This is attributed to the grainsize, surface roughness, crystal orientation, and the ability of resistance to Nd oxidation of the W underlayer.