GMR SENSOR SCHEME WITH ARTIFICIAL ANTIFERROMAGNETIC SUBSYSTEM

A magnetoresistive GMR-sensor scheme is demonstrated and analyzed in w hich the hard magnetic layers are replaced by Artificial Antiferromagn etic Subsystems (AAF's). These consist of ferromagnetic layers antifer romagnetically coupled via interlayers. The magnetic rigidity of this AAF is improved by an order of magnitude compared to the individual ma gnetic layers. Operational field windows for 360 degrees-angle detecto rs 20 kA/m have been realized. The sensor signal Delta rho/rho is 6%. The temperature-operation range extends itself up to 150 degrees C. Th e angle resulution is 1 degrees.