The effect of an applied magnetic field on the (111) texture of a NiFe layer for perpendicular magnetic recording media

The magnetic properties and the texture of CoPt/Ru/NiFe/Ta films with and without an applied magnetic field were examined during sputter deposition of the NiFe layer. The fcc (111) texture of a magnetically soft NiFe layer was enhanced by the applied magnetic field. The Ru (0002) and the Co-Pt (0002) textures were improved by the enhanced (111) texture of the NiFe layer. Consequently, the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and coercivity of the Co-Pt layer were increased by the enhanced texturing.