Spin-valve - Properties of Ferromagnetic Tunnel Junctions

Recently, large changes in resistance of 18% were observed at room temperature in the ferromagnetic/insulator/ferromagnetic tunnel junction. This effect is theoretically supposed to show an MR ratio larger than those of spin-valves. Therefore, ferromagnetic tunnel junctions will be applicable for magnetic read head sensors. We have fabricated ferromagnetic tunnel junctions having a spin-valve-like layer structure. Thermal stability were also investigated.