Giant magnetoresistance induced by ultrathin magnetic layers

摘要

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 Ni_80Fe_20/Cu/Ni_80Fe_20 spin-valves by an almost discontinuous behavior in the GMR ratio. the temperature dependence of the extremely short length scale associated with this discontinuity is discussed in relation to the structure of ultrathin ferromagnetic layers.