Perpendicular anisotropy L 10 -FePt based pseudo spin valve with Ag spacer layer

Abstract

The effects of post-annealing temperature of the Ag spacer layer on the structural, magnetic, spin, and magneto-transport properties of perpendicular anisotropy pseudo spin valves L 10 -Fe50 Pt50 /Ag/L 10 -Fe50 Pt50 had been investigated. The Ag spacer layer was post-annealed at various temperatures of 300, 400, and 500°C. A giant magnetoresistance ratio of 1.1% and 2.2% was achieved at room temperature and 77 K, respectively, when Ag was post-annealed at 300°C. This was a significant improvement from the use of Au, Pt, and Pd spacer materials. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.