Fabrication and charakterization of magnetic alloys and nanostructures for high density magnetic recording

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Manfred Albrecht
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2003 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5406615

In this research project we plan to investigate the structural and magnetic properties of magnetic alloy films and multilayers with strong perpendicular magneto-crystalline anisotropy grown on low energy surfaces (i.e. Dichalcogenide semiconductors), which presents a new way to stabilize ordered alloys at low temperatures, for potential magnetic recording applications at ultra-high density. A variety of parameters (substrate surface, orientation, composition, growth rate, temperature) can be used to alter the magnetic properties, which are strongly related to the atomic structure and chemical ordering. Another approach for extending magnetic storage densities is to store data on patterns of magnetic nanostructures. Periodic arrays of sub-100 nm magnetic alloy nanostructures ("quantum disk") will be fabricated by electron-beam lithography. Magnetic properties like switching field distribution, magneto-optical activity and thermal stability will be correlated to the full film properties. In addition, alternative approaches will be investigated in particular lithography techniques using self-assembled monolayers. A quasi-static write/read tester (SMRM) will be built. which allows to perform recording experiments (i.e. "dynamic coercivity") on nanostructure arrays as well as on individual nanostructures.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups