Enhancement of the tunnelling magnetoresistance effect

A numerical model for the current through a single magnetic tunnel junction with similar ferromagnetic electrodes separated by a non-magnetic insulating layer is presented. The model shows that the effects of applied voltage, barrier thickness, barrier height and effective masses in the barrier and contacts are all important in determining the magnetoresistance (MR). WKB solutions was used as a basis for the wave function within the barrier. MR was found to be a sensitive function of the effective masses in the barrier and contacts. To maximise the magnetoresistance, low mass in the barrier is required.