Structure, magnetic properties and giant magnetostriction studies in [Tb/Fe/Dy] _n nano-multilayer film

[Tb/Fe/Dy] _n nano-multilayer films, with precise composition of Tb_0.27Dy_0.73Fe₂, were prepared by the multi-targets magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature (sample A) and 300°C substrate temperature (sample B). Both of the nano-multilayer films show columnar structures perpendicular to the film plane according to the scanning electron microscopy results. The magnetic hysteresis loops and the giant magnetostriction (GMS) property of the two samples indicate the perpendicular anisotropy in them. In spite of the perpendicular anisotropy, both of the samples present GMS effect. In a very low applied field of 0.18 T, the GMS value in sample B is 89.3 ppm, which is about four times of that in sample A, 23.5 ppm. The good low-field GMS effect in sample B might attribute to the Laves phase of R-Fe₂ segregated from the amorphous matrix under the thermal annealing of the substrate. The relation between the magnetization process and GMS property of the perpendicular anisotropy nano-multilayer films is further investigated.