Temperature dependence of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of nickel in the (100) plane

Abstract

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of nickel has been measured in the temperature range 13.8 to 258K using a rotating sample magnetometer designed for use in solenoid. Measurements have been made in the (100) plane to deduce the anisotropy constants K₁ and K₃ and the uncertainty in these measurements is estimated to be less than 1% and about 10%, respectively. The values of K₁ are in good agreement with existing data, and are compared with recent band theory calculations, and with an empirical equation which takes account of conduction electron scattering. The values of K₃ are in broad agreement with existing data above about 80K but there is considerable disagreement at lower temperatures and a possible reason for this is advanced.