ISSN:
1077-3118
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Bottom-pinned Mn83Ir17 spin valves with enhanced specular scattering were fabricated, showing magnetoresistance (MR) values up to 13.6%, lower sheet resistance R(square, open) and higher ΔR(square, open). Two nano-oxide layers (NOL) are grown on both sides of the CoFe/Cu/CoFe spin valve structure by natural oxidation or remote plasma oxidation of the starting CoFe layer. Maximum MR enhancement is obtained after just 1 min plasma oxidation. Rutherford backscattering analysis shows that a 15±2 Å oxide layer grows at the expense of the initial (prior to oxidation) CoFe layer, with ∼12% reduction of the initial 40 Å CoFe thickness. X-ray reflectometry indicates that Kiessig fringes become better defined after NOL growth, indicating smoother inner interfaces, in agreement with the observed decrease of the spin valve ferromagnetic Néel coupling. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1288672
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