Synthesis of Amorphous Soft Magnet using the IR image furnace

Abstract

Study of soft magnets has been an important research topic because of their various applications such as transformers, magnetic shielding, transducers, and large variety of apparatus. Amorphous soft magnets are conventionally synthesized by using melt-spinning method, in which molten metal is cast onto a fast-rotating copper wheel and could be cooled down with 105-106 K/sec to form highly amorphous state. However, constitutionally, the melt-spinning method yields potential contamination from the copper wheel. An improved synthesis method is required to get highly pure and ultimate soft magnet. In order to avoid the potential copper contamination, we have synthesized soft magnet using the IR image furnace. The IR image furnace focuses high-power infrared light from two or four lamps in the middle of two ceramic rods with two or four mirrors and develops floating molten zone, where provides a crucible free environment. By control of lamp power, travelling speed, rotation speed of rods, and gas conditions, the amorphous alloy could be synthesized without copper contamination. Here we present morphology, chemical, and magnetic properties of amorphous soft magnet synthesized by the IR image furnace.