From magnetic multilayers to magnetic sensors

Although magnetoresistive sensors are only a small part of magnetic sensor field, it covers itself a large application range from low frequency Earth field measurement in micro-compasses, to high frequency read head for hard disks. Tenyears ago magnetoresistive sensors were based on Anisotropic Magn etoresistive Effect. The discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance has leaded to magnetoresistive sensors with better performances and at same time new app lications. However, in order to determine the best solution one should accu rately define the application. For example Giant Magnetoresistance leads to much better read heads whereas, as we consider nanoTesla detection, Anisit ropic Magnetoresistive sensors remain more convenient.