Effect of cobalt layer thickness and temperature on Co/Au bilayer

This study is about the influence of film thickness and temperature on the magnetic characteristics of Co/Au bilayers. Through a combination of X-ray Reflectivity (XRR), Reflectivity High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED), and Magneto Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) in situ measurements, we meticulously examine how these parameters impact the behavior of the system. Our observation reveals intriguing dynamics such as, that thinner Co layers prompt the emergence of island-like structures on the Au surface, thereby amplifying coercivity values. Additionally, we unveil the remarkable thermal stability of the Co/Au bilayer up to temperatures of 300 °C. However, beyond this threshold, inter-diffusion between the Co and Au layers ensues, leading to alterations in surface roughness. Furthermore, our scrutiny highlights the prominent role played by the nonmagnetic layer in thinner Co layers, as well as the formation of a Magnetic Dead Layer (ML). These novel findings provide crucial insights into the intricate interplay between film thickness, temperature, and surface morphology in Co/Au bilayers, distinguishing our study from previous research articles. These insights are crucial for tailoring the magnetic properties of thin film systems, offering potential applications in the areas of spintronics and magnetic data storage applications. Overall, our comprehensive study in this article contributes to advancing the understanding of magnetic material behavior in the bi-layer system through through in situ investigations opening new avenues for optimizing thin film technologies for practical applications.