Control of magnetization reversal process with pinning layer in FePt thin films

The magnetization reversal processes of in situ ordered FePt thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering have been studied. A kind of nonmagnetic Ru pinning layer inserted in the FePt magnetic layer was described to introduce controllable pinning sites. The magnetization reversal mechanism of FePt thin films was observed to shift from the typical domain-wall motion behavior to the nucleation mode with Ru pinning layer inserted. Coercivity enhancement was also observed with relative thinner Ru pinning layer inserted in the FePt film.