Abstract

The optimization of novel materials for short wavelength magneto-optical recording is key for future high density recording. TbFeCo amorphous films currently used exhibit a substantial reduction in Kerr activity with decreasing wavelength [1], and therefore, it is desirable to enhance it by adding some element. Polarized Pt atoms are known to enhance the magneto-optical effect at short wavelengths, as demonstrated in Co/Pt multilayers [2]-[4], NdFeCo films also show the increase of the Kerr rotation angle at such wavelengths [5], [6], Accordingly, TbFeCo films containing Pt or Nd are potential candidates for future short wavelength recording media. However, very little systematic studies have been carried out to examine the effect of Pt in rare-earth transition-metal (RE-TM) amorphous films [7], [8]. And Nd-TM alloy has a problem that the films generally show in-plane magnetization, although the high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy must be taken into consideration in practical use. In order to achieve high Kerr activity at short wavelengths with a high perpendicular anisotropy, multilayers such as TbFeCo/Pt and TbFeCo/NdCo were fabricated. The present study aims to understand the roles of Pt and NdCo layer in TbFeCo on both magnetic and magneto-optical properties.

© 1998 Optical Society of America