Measurements of the anomalous magnetoresistance effect in Co/Pt and Co/Pd multilayer films for magneto-optical data storage applications

Abstract

The anomalous magnetoresistance effect in compositionally modulated TM/TM films (Co/Pt and Co/Pd) has been investigated. Results of measurements on samples at room temperature as a function of the strength of the applied magnetic field are reported. For each sample three different configurations are investigated in which the direction of the applied field is (i) perpendicular to the plane of the film, (ii) in the plane of the film and parallel to the direction of the electric current, (iii) in the plane of the film and perpendicular to the direction of the current. During these measurements the extraordinary Hall effect and the magneto-optical Kerr effect have also been monitored. This additional information, together with the magnetization measurement results obtained from a vibrating sample magnetometer, are used to analyze the data and to explain some of their interesting features.