  We investigate the effect of Al doping on the magnetic properties of the
alloy CoFeB. Comparative measurements of the saturation magnetization, the
Gilbert damping parameter $\alpha$ and the exchange constant as a function of
the annealing temperature for CoFeB and CoFeAlB thin films are presented. Our
results reveal a strong reduction of the magnetization for CoFeAlB in
comparison to CoFeB. If the prepared CoFeAlB films are amorphous, the damping
parameter $\alpha$ is unaffected by the Al doping in comparison to the CoFeB
alloy. In contrast, in the case of a crystalline CoFeAlB film, $\alpha$ is
found to be reduced. Furthermore, the x-ray characterization and the evolution
of the exchange constant with the annealing temperature indicate a similar
crystallization process in both alloys. The data proves the suitability of
CoFeAlB for spin torque switching properties where a reduction of the switching
current in comparison with CoFeB is expected.
