Current density limitations of spin valves

Author

Gafron, Terry J. ; Burkett, Susan L. ; Russek, Stephen E.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. Eng., Boise State Univ., ID, USA

Volume

36

Issue

5

fYear

2000

fDate

9/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2611

Lastpage

2613

Abstract

As spin valve technology evolves, understanding the limitations and design constraints is a critical consideration. Choosing the correct materials combination, aspect ratio and size depends upon careful device characterization. Analysis of spin valves in this study shows that device lifetime and durability are determined by allowable current densities and the internal temperatures that result. Parameters such as maximum sustained current and device degradation can be predicted and calculated, allowing the designer to choose the correct parameters for a specific application

Keywords

current density; electrostatic discharge; giant magnetoresistance; magnetic heads; magnetic multilayers; spin valves; ESD; GMR heads; aspect ratio; aspect size; current density limitations; design constraints; device degradation; device lifetime; durability; internal temperatures; layer alignment; maximum sustained current; minimum MR; multilayers; spin valves; Current density; Electrostatic discharge; Heating; Magnetic field measurement; Magnetoresistance; Spin valves; Sputtering; Stability; Substrates; Temperature;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.908532

Filename

908532