Comparison of computed amplitudes of magnetoresistance in spin-valve structures with wafer probe measurements

Author

Dieny, B. ; Peireira, L.G. ; Taylor, Roger H. ; Yamamoto, S.Y.

Author_Institution

CEA, Centre d´´Etudes Nucleaires de Grenoble, France

Volume

34

Issue

4

fYear

1998

fDate

7/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

942

Lastpage

944

Abstract

A code has been developed based on the semi-classical theory of giant magnetoresistance of Camley and Barnas (1989). It computes the sheet conductance and magnetoresistance of spin-valve structures. The input parameters are phenomenological transport parameters (mean-free paths and reflection/transmission coefficients at interfaces). These parameters are fairly well known in most conventional materials. Several refinements have been introduced into the initial theory, in particular spin-intermixing due to magnon scattering, anisotropy in mean-free paths, and angular dependence of transmission through the interfaces. A few examples of the use of this code are described in this paper. Such code could be used a guideline in the optimization of spin-valves

Keywords

giant magnetoresistance; magnetic multilayers; magnons; giant magnetoresistance; magnon scattering; mean-free path; reflection coefficient; semi-classical theory; sheet conductance; spin-intermixing; spin-valve structures; transmission coefficient; wafer probe measurements; Anisotropic magnetoresistance; Electrons; Giant magnetoresistance; Guidelines; Magnetic flux; Magnetic heads; Magnetic materials; Magnetic properties; Probes; Reflection;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.706321

Filename

706321