Ferromagnetic resonance and magnetization in permalloy films with nanostructured antidot arrays of variable size

We present the results of structural and magnetic characterization of Permalloy (Fe(20)Ni(80)) films deposited by sputtering on self-organized nanoporous alumina previously treated with phosphoric acid to vary the pore diameters. SEM and AFM images of the top film surfaces show a triangular array of pores with diameters similar to the untreated porous alumina. However, the underlying pore enlargement is evidenced by the magnetic study. Indeed magnetization measurements reveal a decrease in the easy-plane anisotropy energy with elapsing time of chemical etching. Consistent with these results, ferromagnetic resonance measurements perpendicular to the film indicate a systematic reduction of the resonance field which can be directly related to an increase in the pore diameter. The effect of lateral confinement (due to the pores) in the spin-wave resonance is evidenced in multiple absorption lines when the applied field is in the film plane and perpendicular to it. This contrasts with the results for the continuous test film. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.