Abstract
Current-Perpendicular-to-Plane Giant MagnetoResistance (CPP-GMR) spin valves with a Current-Confined-Path (CCP) Nano-Oxide Layer (NOL) were investigated from the viewpoint of the relation between MR ratio and nanostructure. We have reported that the CPP-GMR spin valves with the CCP-NOL fabricated by Ion-Assisted Oxidation (IAO) show higher MR ratio than those fabricated by Natural Oxidation (NO). In this report, the nanostructures of CPP-GMR spin valves are compared by means of the high-resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) map. It was confirmed that IAO is effective for improving the crystalline structure not only for the CCP, but also for the free layer on the CCP. The well crystalline structure can decrease the resistivity of the metal path and enhance the spin-dependent scattering inside the free layer, which are considered to be the reasons for the enhancement of MR ratio for the IAO.
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