On the construction of an Fe3O4-based all-oxide spin valve

The progress made in constructing an all-oxide spin valve based on the intr insic, fully spin-polarized electron transport in Fe3O4 is discussed. Two p ossible oxidic spacer layers, MgO and Mn3O4, have been investigated. Interl ayer coupling studies indicate that MgO is the more suitable spacer layer o f the two. Thus far a limited magnetoresistive effect less than or equal to 0.4% is found in the all oxide, Fe3O4-based, spin-valves which we have mad e. Possible causes for this low magnetoresistive effect are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.