| The changes in magnetic and magneto-optical behavior of bare TbFe and TbFeCo thin film due to oxidation at 70$spcirc$C were investigated. The decrease in Kerr rotation and coercivity due to oxidation is explained on the basis of compositional and structural changes observed using ESCA and TEM. In these films, preferential oxidation of Tb was found to occur. This leads to metallic Fe and Co dispersed inside an oxide layer of Tb. This layer, with a complex structure, grows parabolically with oxidation time, indicating the oxidation process to be diffusion dependent. The presence and growth of this layer modifies the magnetic and magneto-optical properties of these alloy films. The addition of Co improves Kerr rotation and resistance to oxidation-induced changes in these films. |
