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Ion-Assisted Deposition of Protective Overlayers for Magneto-Optic Alloys

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Kenneth D. Cornett
Affiliation:
Optical Sciences Center. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.
Ursula J. Gibson
Affiliation:
Optical Sciences Center. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.
Anthony Taylor
Affiliation:
Optical Sciences Center. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.
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Abstract

Rare-Earth Transition-Metal alloys such as Tb-Fe-Co are being studied and used as magneto-optic data storage materials. These materials are susceptible to oxidation by either oxygen or water vapor, particularly the rare earth component. Pitting corrosion is also a problem when protective overlayers have pinholes or a porous microstructure. Both degradation mechanisms are significant for application of this material to optical data storage. We have used ion assisted deposition (IAD) to produce protective overlayers of refractory oxides, such as Al2O2 and ZrO2. These layers were deposited both with and without IAD onto iron films and exposed to environments with controlled temperature and humidity. A scanning micro-reflectometer capable of detecting micrometer-sized pinholes was used to monitor the degradation of the iron layer with exposure time.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

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References

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