[FeTaN/TaN](n) soft multilayers for write head pole pieces

We have investigated a new high moment soft multilayer system [FeTaN/TaN](n) for inductive head applications. The films studied have a total thickness around 1.6 mu m. The lamination reduces both easy and hard axis coercivity to approximately 1.2 and 1 Oe, respectively. The magnetization 4 pi M(s) is in the range of 18.2-21 kG. The properties are improved by annealing up to 400 degrees C. Best annealed samples have a hard axis coercivity of 0.35 Oe and 4 pi M(s) of 19.5 kG. X-ray diffraction spectra show a predominant alpha-Fe (110) texture with no FeN phases. The crystal structure is not changed by annealing, indicating good thermal stability of these multilayers.