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Four-probe Magnetoresistance of Current-perpendicular-to-plane Structures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

Hua Zhou ,
Mark W. Covington  and
Michael A. Seigler
Hua Zhou
Affiliation:
Hua.Zhou@seagate.com, Seagate Technology, 1251 Waterfront Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, United States
Mark W. Covington
Affiliation:
Mark.W.Covington@seagate.com, Seagate Technology, United States
Michael A. Seigler
Affiliation:
Mike.A.Seigler@seagate.com, Seagate Technology, United States
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Abstract

The resistance and magnetoresistance (MR) of three-dimensional current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) structures have been calculated via numerical finite element solutions of the Laplace equation. This model accounts for the non-uniform current paths in a four-probe geometry that can yield MR that differs from the intrinsic MR of the isolated CPP pillar with spatially uniform current flow. We calculated the four-probe MR for various geometries and resistivities of both the normal metal leads and the magnetoresistive pillar. From a single, unified approach, we are able to consistently account for the disparate behavior that has been previously published. In particular, we identify conditions that produce four-probe MR that differs from the intrinsic MR of the CPP pillar and highlight those situations where the four-probe resistance is negative. Finally, we present a simple analytical formula for the MR ratio that is applicable to narrow CPP pillars with wide, thin leads.

Keywords

magnetoresistance (transport)magneticsensor
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 906: Symposium HH – Magnetic Sensors and Sensing Systems , 2005 , 0906-HH01-07
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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