Formation of double ring patterns on Co2MnSi Heusler alloy thin film by anodic oxidation under scanning probe microscope

TL;DR

This study investigates the formation of double ring patterns on Co2MnSi Heusler alloy thin films during local anodic oxidation with AFM, revealing magnetic interactions and potential for memory storage applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates the formation mechanism of double ring patterns on CMS films via AFM-induced anodic oxidation and explores their magnetic properties for data storage.

Findings

Double rings form at breakdown voltage during LAO.

Cobalt segregation and corona effects are observed.

Patterns are influenced by magnetic field interactions.

Abstract

Double ring formation on Co2MnSi (CMS) films is observed at electrical breakdown voltage during local anodic oxidation (LAO) using atomic force microscope (AFM). Corona effect and segregation of cobalt in the vicinity of the rings is studied using magnetic force microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Double ring forma-tion is attributed to the interaction of ablated material with the induced magnetic field during LAO. Steepness of forward bias transport characteristics from the unperturbed region of the CMS film suggest a non equilibrium spin contribution. Such mesoscopic textures in magnetic films by AFM tip can be potentially used for memory storage applications.