Frequency dependence of the magnetoimpedance in amorphous CoP electrodeposited layers

Magnetic properties and changes of impedance upon external field (MI) are studied in amorphous CoP magnetic layers obtained by galvanostatic electrodeposition over cylindrical Cu substrates. The magnetic layer thickness is controlled by deposition time and varies between 3 and 7 mu m. Due to the columnar growth of Co, thicker layers have stronger perpendicular radial anisotropy. The field and frequency dependence of the impedance is measured in the kHz/MHz range. Although it is generally accepted that a radial anisotropy should be unfavorable to the MI effect, an increase of the MI ratio with the thickness of the magnetic layer, and thus with anisotropy, is observed. Results are explained in terms of a model considering the current distribution along the sample thickness with two well-defined regions having different transport and magnetic properties. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)57108-4].