Synthesis of Tetrataenite Thin Films via Rapid Thermal Annealing

OVERVIEW

This technology provides a practical method for synthesizing L10FeNi ( tetrataenite ) thin films for device fabrication using physical vapor deposition and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). As a rare-earth-free and precious-metal-free material, Tetrataenite exhibits high magnetic anisotropy. The high Curie temperature and corrosion resistance of the material make it a very attractive choice for practical applications in magnetic recording and permanent magnets.

BACKGROUND

High magnetic anisotropy materials are particularly useful in device applications such as high energy density permanent magnets, information storage including ultrahigh density heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media, magnetic memory and logic devices, and other spintronic devices. Permanent magnets find uses in hybrid/electric vehicles, magnetically levitated trains, wind turbines, power storage, consumer electronics, magnetic refrigeration, etc. However, leading materials for permanent magnet applications are all rare-earth-based. The rare-earth elements in these devices are critical materials with prices that have seen wild fluctuations over recent years. Also, leading materials for heat-assisted magnetic recording media applications contain exceedingly expensive alloys that are made of costly noble metals. Therefore, there is a need for high magnetic anisotropy materials that are rare-earth-free and precious-metal-free.

Benefit

• Make synthesis of tetrataenite thin films practical for device fabrication but not limited to lab settings.
• It substitutes rare-earth-based and rare-earth-free materials for use in emerging ultrahigh-density heat-assisted magnetic recording technologies.

• Itsubstitutes costly noble metals, such as Pt and Pd, for use in applications of high energy density permanent magnets

Market Application

●Applications in information storage include ultrahigh-density heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media, magnetic memory and logic devices, and other spintronic devices.

●Applications using permanent magnets: hybrid/electric vehicles, magnetically levitated trains, wind turbines, power storage, consumer electronics, magnetic refrigeration, etc.

Publications

US Patent CONT No. 10,685,781