Comparison of computed amplitudes of magnetoresistance in spin-valve structures with wafer probe measurements

Abstract

A code has been developed based on the semi-classical theory of giant magnetoresistance of Camley and Barnas [l]. It computes the sheet conductance and magnetoresistance of spin-valve structures. The input parameters are phenomenological transport parameters (mean-free paths and reflection/transmission coefficients at interfaces). These parameters are fairly well known in most conventional materials. Several refinements have been introduced into the initial theory, in particular spin-intermixing due to magnon scattering, anisotropy in mean-free paths, and angular dependence of transmission through the interfaces. A few examples of the use of this code are described in this paper. Such code could be used as a guideline in the optimization of spin-valves.