Fe$${}_{\boldsymbol{100-x}}$$Zr$${}_{\boldsymbol{x}}$$ Films ($$\boldsymbol{x=6{-}13}$$ at $$\boldsymbol{\%}$$): Correlation between Phase–Structural State and Magnetic Parameters
Abstract
The results of hysteresis loop measurements of Fe $${}_{100-x}$$ Zr $${}_{x}$$ films ( $$x=6{-}13$$ ) are presented, both in the initial state after their preparation by ion beam deposition and after annealing in vacuum for 1 h at 300 and 500 $${}^{\circ}$$ C. The measurements were carried out using a LakeShore 7407 vibrating sample magnetometer in magnetic fields up to 16 kOe at room temperature. Analysis of the obtained data, performed using the method of correlation magnetometry within the framework of the random magnetic anisotropy model, showed that the magnetic properties of the films are determined by the coexistence of amorphous and nanocrystalline structures, whose volume fractions depend on the Zr content and annealing temperature. In all films, even when the ferromagnetic fraction constitutes only a few percent, long-range magnetic order is observed, which is explained by exchange interaction between neighboring ferromagnetic grains grouped into stochastic domains that are isolated from each other by the paramagnetic amorphous phase. The main magnetic parameters of the microstructure of the films were determined.