Anisotropy and damping of molecules/cobalt hybrid thin films

Abstract : We have investigated the magnetic properties of evaporated Co thin films covalently functionalized with different organic thin films, namely (1-(2-bisthienyl benzene) and nitro-benzene. The coating is realized thanks to a diazonium-based electro-reduction process. Brillouin light scattering experiments revealed that the magnetic properties are sensitive to the presence of the organic film. For (1-(2-bisthienyl benzene) thin films, the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is increased as well as the magnetic damping. However for nitrobenzene, only the perpendicular anisotropy is increased albeit less than for (1-(2-bisthienyl benzene). This change in magnetic properties might be attributed to the coupling with the organic molecules.