Giant magnetoresistance present in new structures

structures in which giant magnetoresistance (GMR) has been observed. Rather than stacking ultra-thin magnetic and non-magnetic layers, the researchers deposited the layers on the same surface. For example, two magnetic materials can be separated by a non-magnetic spacer a few dozen nanometers thick.

The GMR variations measured on a pairing of cobalt and iron were in excess of 10%—the same as with conventional structures. Depending on how the layers are arranged on the surface, the magnetization can be oriented along three axes rather than just up or down. Research on these lateral structures is ongoing. Ultimately, they could be used in MRAM-type memory.

Contact: jean-philippe.attane@cea.fr

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