SINGLE ION MODEL FOR PERPENDICULAR MAGNETIC-ANISOTROPY IN RE-TM AMORPHOUS FILMS

To investigate the mechanism of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy K//u in rare earth-transition metal amorphous films, K//u was measured for (Gd//0//. //7//5R//0//. //2//5)//1//9CO//8//1 films varying the rare earth element R. Results were analyzed based on a single ion anisotropy model using a point charge aproximation. The dependence of K//u on rare earth element is well explained with he single ion anisotropy. A model was proposed in which anelastic deformation during deposition of the film is responsible for the induction of K//u. Magnetostriction can also be explained with a point charge model with screening.