Anisotropy and Damping of Molecules/Cobalt Hybrid Thin Films

We have investigated the magnetic properties of evaporated Co thin films covalently functionalized with different organic thin films, namely, 1-(2-bisthienyl benzene) and nitrobenzene. 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.