Abstract
The effect of specular electron scattering on the natural oxidation of a free layer in NiO spin valves has been investigated. The magnetoresistance ratio and the exchange biasing field (Hex) of NiO(600 Å)/Ni81Fe19(50 Å)/Co(7 Å)/Cu(20 Å)/Ni81Fe19(70 Å) spin valves were increased from 4.9% to 7.3%, and 110 to 170 Oe after the natural oxidation in the atmosphere for 80 days, respectively. The sheet resistance ρ decreased from 28 to 17 μΩ m, but Δρ did almost not change after the oxidation. The spin valves enhanced by the specular electron scattering in the naturally oxidized Co/NiFe/NiFeOx free layer were confirmed from the depth profiles using Auger electron spectroscopy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
