Abstract

The interlayer coupling field (Hint) between the free and pinned ferromagnetic (FM) layers in an exchange-biased spin valve deposited by magnetron sputtering is usually dominated by the Néel “orange peel” coupling. The orange peel coupling is suppressed dramatically when an oxide layer (OXL) is inserted into the free/pinned FM layers due to smoother surface roughness at the interface. Hint decreases with increasing oxygen exposure dose of the free/pinned FM layers to pure O2 gas. And it is found that Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yoshida exchange coupling dominates in OXL spin valves due to smoother surface roughness and enhanced specular electron scattering at the interface between OXL and pinned/free FM layers, which also results in enhancement of magnetoresistance effect.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.