Effects of Different Relevant Layers on Magnetic Properties of Bottom Synthetic IrMn Spin Valves

Abstract

The effects of different relevant layers, especially the insertion layers (which are between Ta buffer layer and IrMn pinning layer) and free layers, on the magnetic properties of IrMn bottom-pinning spin valves are investigated. Spin valve with a NiFe insertion layer exhibits a higher GMR ratio of ~ 6.0% than that of 2.0% for the spin valve with a Cu insertion layer due to a better pinning strength. The spin valves with a CoFe/NiFe composite free layer have relatively better magnetic properties: a higher GMR ratio compared with the spin valve with a single NiFe free layer and a lower free layer coercivity compared with the spin valve with a single CoFe layer.