MnAlGe Films for Magneto-Optic Applications

Abstract

MnAlGe is a uniaxial ferromagnetic compound with a saturation 4πM_s of 3600 G, and Curie temperature of 245°C. We have studied polycrystalline thin films of this compound formed on various substrates by getter sputtering. The optimum substrate temperature to obtain films with uniform magnetic properties was 500°C. Films prepared at this temperature have a substantial component of magnetization normal to the plane of the substrate, and a coercive force of approximately 2000 Oe. Information was written into films approximately 700‐Å thick by Curie point writing or with a fine permanent magnet wire, and read with good optical contrast by means of the polar Faraday effect. The relatively low Curie temperature is advantageous in reducing the power required for Curie point writing for magneto‐optic memory or holographic applications.