Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
The asymmetrical hysteresis loops were observed for the annealed Fe65Co15Si5B15 amorphous ribbons. The curves, which shift from the zero point of H axis with a unilateral step magnetization, exhibit the special magnetic features of the ribbons. A few magnetic crystalline phases were identified in the amorphous matrix of annealed ribbons by microstructure measurement. It was also found that the Z-oriented local magnetic domains emerge in the surface of ribbons with the loops shift behavior. Subsequent magnetic torque measurement indicated that the unidirectional magnetic anisotropy was induced in the amorphous ribbons with proper thermomagnetic annealing. These obtained evidences support our understanding that the magnetic history caused by thermomagnetic treatment plays a main role in promoting the formation of the asymmetrical loops.