Structural and magnetic properties of Co/Mo multilayers

Co/Mo multilayers with various layer thicknesses of Co and Mo were prepared by alternate vapor deposition. The magnetic properties and microstructures of the films were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and alternating gradient magnetometer. The magnetic properties, such as the atom magnetic moment, were found to change with the thicknesses of the Co and Mo layers, and even their relative ratio. The microstructure results showed that the Co layer could grow in a BCC structure when the thickness of Co layer was much thinner than the thickness of Mo layer. The formation of the metastable phase contributed to the magnetic properties.