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Giant Magnetoresistance Induced by Ultrathin Magnetic Layers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

G.J. Strijkers ,
H.J.M. Swagten ,
A.H.M. Mettler ,
M.M.H. Willekens  and
W.J.M. De Jonge
G.J. Strijkers
Affiliation:
Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Physics, COBRA Interuniversity Research Institute, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
H.J.M. Swagten
Affiliation:
Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Physics, COBRA Interuniversity Research Institute, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
A.H.M. Mettler
Affiliation:
Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Physics, COBRA Interuniversity Research Institute, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
M.M.H. Willekens
Affiliation:
Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Physics, COBRA Interuniversity Research Institute, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
W.J.M. De Jonge
Affiliation:
Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Physics, COBRA Interuniversity Research Institute, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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Abstract

We introduce an interface selective structure, composed of a spin-valve on top of which a thick nonmagnetic back layer is deposited as a straightforward experimental tool to measure the GMR induced by ultrathin magnetic layers. The interface selectivity of spin-dependent scattering is evidenced by calculations and illustrated in both Co/Cu/Co and Ni80Fe20/Cu/Ni80Fe20 spin-valves by an almost discontinuous behavior in the GMR ratio. The temperture dependence of the extremely short length scale associated with this discontinuity is discussed in relation to the structure of ultrathin ferromagnetic layers.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 475: Symposium M – Magnetic Ultrathin Films, Multilayers, and Surfaces – 1997 , 1997 , 99
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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References

REFERENCES

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