Vector magnetometry of synthetic spin valves

Vector magnetometry is applied to the detailed magnetic characterization of spin valve films. Algorithms are developed to analyze curves of in-plane vector magnetization in the presence of constant rotating magnetic fields. For fields sufficiently large compared to the free layer coupling filed, these methods lead to the accurate determination of the pinning axis, and the net pinned layer and free layer moments. Further analysis allows determination of the free layer magnetic torque and the magnitude and angle of its anisotropies. The range of validity and the accuracy of these methods is discussed.