Abstract
AbstractMagnetic properties of spin valve elements having Mo(N) and Ta(N) underlayers were studied by varying their thickness. Spin valve structure was Si/SiO2/Underlayer(tÅ)/NiFe(21 or 42Å)/CoFe(28Å)/Cu(22Å)/CoFe(18Å)/IrMn(65Å)/Ta(25Å). Spin valve elements having exteremely thin Mo(N) and Ta(N) underlayers showed high MR ratio of about 7 ‐ 8%. Annealing of such spin valve elements having underlayer thickness of 7 to 8 Å showed comparable behavior with the spin valve elements with thicker (35Å) underlayer, which can be utilized to reduce overall device thickness. Also, it was found that Mo(N) underlayers for spin valve elements may be used as diffusion barriers between Si substrate and ensuing active spin valve layers, simultaneously. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have