The effect of oxygen on magnetic properties and corrosion resistance of Fe–N thin films

Abstract
The effect of oxygen and heat treatment on magnetic properties and corrosion resistance of Fe–N thin films sputter-deposited under various N 2 +O 2 partial pressure were investigated. All the as sputteredfilms have a single phase of α-Fe only, except where a high N 2 +O 2 partial pressure was used. After annealing at 200–500 °C, the structure and magnetic properties of Fe–N–O films were changed. Under suitable conditions the magnetic properties of Fe–N–O films were found to have H c of 0.5 Oe and 4πM s around 20 kG. It is also demonstrated that the oxygen has improved the corrosion resistance and thermal stability of Fe–N thin film.