Effect of the layer thickness on the magnetic properties and structure of terbium in (Tb/Ti)n and (Tb/Si)n multilayer films

The bulk and surface structures and the magnetic properties of Tb layers in (Tb/Ti)_n and (Tb/Si)_n multilayer films are studied experimentally. As the magnetic layer thickness decreases, Tb becomes amorphous. Along with the amorphization, the magnetic ordering temperature declines and the temperature range of magnetic hysteresis shifts. In terms of the ZFC-FC approach, this shift means crystalline magnetic anisotropy breaking. The material of nonmagnetic spacings between the Tb layers plays a certain role in these changes.