Abstract
We introduced the use of hydrogen during the deposition of spin valves to achieve better control of interfacial mixing, especially for bottom spin valves (B-SV). The hydrogen was introduced during deposition of the CoFe or IrMn layer depending on whether it was a B-SV or a top spin valve (T-SV). The magnetoresistance ratio and Hex increased to 15% and 30%, respectively, when hydrogen (10 vol %) was introduced for a B-SV. By contrast, the hydrogen effect for a T-SV was small. Using hydrogen (10 vol %), the surface of the SV was smoother (1.01 nm) than without hydrogen (1.94 nm). In addition, the SV with hydrogen had a well-developed (111) texture and larger grains. By introducing hydrogen, we could control the microstructure and reduce the intermixing between CoFe and IrMn, especially for B-SVs.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 10N707 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 97 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 May 15 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work supported by the Korea Ministry of Science and Technology under the National Research Laboratory program the Korea Research Foundation Grant (KRF-2004-005-C00068).
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy