Improved GMR characteristics of specular spin valves by nano-oxide layer formation with mixed gases

Author

Jang, S.H. ; Kang, T. ; Kim, H.J. ; Kim, K.Y.

Author_Institution

Sch. of Mater. Sci. & Eng., Seoul Nat. Univ., South Korea

Volume

38

Issue

5

fYear

2002

fDate

9/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2688

Lastpage

2690

Abstract

A key requirement for spin valves (SV) with nano-oxide layers (NOL) are the formation of the smooth and uniform interface between NOL and magnetic layer for specular electron scattering. We investigated the natural oxidation conditions using mixed gases (O₂/N₂ and O₂/Ar) for the uniform NOL formation in specular SVs. We have compared the magnetoresistance (MR) properties and thermal stability of SVs with NOL formed in mixed gases with those formed using pure O₂. We can optimize oxidation conditions using mixed gases for enhanced MR ratio and reduced interlayer coupling field.

Keywords

annealing; exchange interactions (electron); giant magnetoresistance; magnetic multilayers; oxidation; spin valves; surface scattering; thermal stability; annealing temperature; improved GMR characteristics; mixed gases; nano-oxide layer formation; natural oxidation conditions; partial pressure ratio; pinned layer; reduced interlayer coupling field; smooth uniform interface; specular electron scattering; specular spin valves; thermal stability; Argon; Electrons; Enhanced magnetoresistance; Gases; Giant magnetoresistance; Magnetic properties; Oxidation; Scattering; Spin valves; Thermal stability;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TMAG.2002.803154

Filename

1042318