A torque magnetometer for thin films applications

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol. 324; no. 8; pp. 1561 - 1564
• Main Authors: Rigue, J., Chrischon, D., de Andrade, A.M.H, Carara, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.04.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Angular position; Constants; Design engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Magnetic anisotropy; Magnetic components, instruments and techniques; Magnetometers for susceptibility, magnetic moment and magnetization measurements; Measuring instruments; Physics; Thin film; Thin films; Torque magnetometers; Torque magnetometry; Torsion; Torque magnetometry; Magnetic anisotropy; Thin film; Magnetometers; Magnetization; Torsion pendulum; Position sensor; Magnetic moments; Cobalt; Magnetic thin films; Exchange interactions
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2011.12.002

We describe the development of an automatic torque magnetometer based on a torsion pendulum. The instrument uses the capacitive arrange developed by Randall D. Peters, Rev. Sci. Instr. 60 (8), 2789 (1989), as sample's angular position sensor. The instrument performance is illustrated by measuring the in plane magnetic anisotropy of Co thin films and systems with exchange-bias. It possesses a sensitivity of 1010Nm and is capable to determine anisotropy constants in magnetic films as thin as 3nm. The instrument design and the measurement procedures are presented. ► We developed a torquemeter to investigate magnetic anisotropies in thin films. ► Obtained sensitivity was 1010Nm. ► Instrument is self calibrated. ► It is capable to measure the full angular torque range in a few minutes.