Magnetic Properties of Tb_0.3Dy_0.7Fe₂

Nanometric thin films of Tb_0.3Dy_0.7Fe₂ (TFD) were synthesized using RF magnetron sputtering using a single target. Films were synthesized at five different thicknesses from 50 to 250 nm and on several substrates, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and mica. The magnetic properties were studied using a vibration sample magnetron (VSM) at several angles, magnetic field, and field plane orientations. TFD particles, known as magnetostrictive, were integrated into CFRP and have been shown to enhance magnetic response, which is desirable for designing an ultra-sensitive sensor for prognostics and diagnostics of early onset structural damage monitoring. [1] The nanometric films will effectively be integrated as an ultra-sensitive sensor in composites.