Perpendicular-Current Spin Valve Structures with Micron-size Nb Top Contacts
Abstract
We have fabricated perpendicular-current (CPP) exchange-biased spin valve structures with small superconducting Nb top contacts (areas down to < 2μm by 2μm), optically patterned on Si/Nb/Cu/FeMn/F/Cu/F/Au multilayers of strip shape [F = CoFe, Permalloy (Py)]. We used a SiO film to insulate the top Nb layer from the Au-coated multilayer structure underneath, except in the patterned contact region. The changes in specific resistance (area times resistance) at 4.2 K between parallel and antiparallel orientations of the two F layers, AΔR, are consistent with those of related millimeter-size spin valve structures, fabricated entirely under vacuum using shadow masks. Overall, our results indicate that it is possible to develop reproducible micron-size CPP spin valves systems with higher resistance values ( ~mΩ) and minimum processing damage.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000APS..MARG24010S