GIANT MAGNETORESISTANCE MATERIALS FOR READ HEADS

Citation
R. Coehoorn et al., GIANT MAGNETORESISTANCE MATERIALS FOR READ HEADS, Philips journal of research, 51(1), 1998, pp. 93-124
Citations number
87
Categorie Soggetti
Engineering
Journal title
ISSN journal
01655817
Volume
51
Issue
1
Year of publication
1998
Pages
93 - 124
Database
ISI
SICI code
0165-5817(1998)51:1<93:GMMFRH>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
The sensitivity of magnetoresistive read heads can be increased by usi ng layered magnetic materials showing the giant magnetoresistance effe ct, instead of a single magnetic film showing the anisotropic magnetor esistance effect. For this purpose, exchange-biased spin-valve layered structures are very suitable. For well-chosen compositions and nanome ter-scale layer thicknesses these materials combine a fair giant magne toresistance effect with a very small field interval in which the resi stance change takes place. In this paper we give an overview of aspect s which determine the functioning of materials of this class in read h eads, including their preparation, magnetotransport properties and the magnetic interactions which determine the magnetization reversal proc ess.