Abstract
In situ experiments in a Lorentz microscope have been performed on active spin-valve elements, and a correlation between magnetoresistance and the magnetic domain structure is shown. The presence of a magnetic field induced by the applied current is clearly demonstrated. A simple model is presented, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the effect of stray-field coupling between the ferromagnetic layers, arising because of the free magnetic poles at the edges of the element, has been observed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 145-153 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials |
Volume | 187 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 14 1998 |
Funding
This study has been supported by Hewlett–Packard Laboratories in Palo Alto through a collaboration with the Department of Materials in Oxford University. The authors are very grateful to B. Garcia for his help in fabricating the masks for the lithographic procedure. The authors wish to thank Dr E. Tsymbal (Oxford University) for helpful discussions and R.C. Doole for his technical assistance. Dr A.K. Petford-Long is grateful to the Royal Society for financial support.
Keywords
- Giant magnetoresistance
- Lorentz microscopy
- Spin valves
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics