High magnetic and thermal stability of nanopatterned [Co/Pd] based pseudo spin-valves with perpendicular anisotropy for 1 Gb magnetic random access memory applications

Abstract

Nanopatterned [Co/Pd] based pseudo spin-valves (PSV) with perpendicular anisotropy exhibited high magnetic and thermal stabilities suitable for 1 Gb magnetic random access memory applications. Magnetic force microscopy images clearly demonstrated that the nanopatterned [Co/Pd] based PSVs down to 75×75 nm2 show a single domain configuration and a coherent magnetic reversal behavior. Furthermore, the nanopatterned [Co/Pd] based PSV with 90×90 nm2 device size showed stable magnetoresistance performance and switching characteristics. The high magnetic anisotropy and the large exchange energy of [Co/Pd] based PSV with perpendicular anisotropy are thought to be the main physical reasons for the technical promises. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.