Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of TbFeCo/(Pt,Pd) multilayers optimized for short wavelength recording

Magnetic and magneto-optical properties of TbFeCo/Pt and TbFeCo/Pd multilayer films prepared by sputter deposition are discussed in conjunction with the multilayer structure. The magnetic behaviors in TbFeCo/Pt and TbFeCo/Pd multilayers are very similar to each other, and the saturation magnetization M-s at 298 K increases with thickness t of Pt and Pd up to t(Pt), t(Pd) =12 Angstrom. In TbFeCo/Pt multilayers, the contribution of Pt to the polar Kerr spectra is significant at ultraviolet photon energies. The Kerr rotation theta(K) and ellipticity eta(K) are enhanced with Pt layer thickness and become saturated at t(Pt) = 12 Angstrom. On the other hand, little contribution from Pd atoms is found in the TbFeCo/Pd multilayer. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)21408-9].