Stepwise electrodeposition of L1₀-FePt thick films optimized by appropriate deposition voltage and annealing temperature

Abstract

This study explores a novel approach to fabricating FePt thick films through stepwise electrodeposition, optimized by appropriate deposition voltage and annealing temperature. By carefully controlling these parameters, the FePt films achieved a near-equiatomic composition. The coercivity (Hc) of the films exhibits a positive correlation with annealing temperature, reaching a peak value of 11,600 Oe at 900 °C, which is primarily attributed to the enhanced development of the L1₀-ordered FePt phase. Furthermore, the growth and recrystallization behavior of FePt thick films were studied using an innovative stepwise electrodeposition process combined with microwave pretreatment, which significantly improved the structural uniformity and magnetic properties of the films. After 11 h of stepwise electrodeposition, L1₀-FePt thick films with a thicknesses of 5.8 μm and an Hc of 9100 Oe were obtained. This work demonstrates that optimizing the deposition and annealing processes is an effective strategy for fabricating high-performance L1₀-FePt thick films via electrodeposition, broadening their potential applications in high-density magnetic storage, spintronic devices, and other advanced technologies.