Pinning-Layer Materials for Spin Valve Structures

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study the use of antiferromagnetic oxide materials with high Neel temperatures as pinning materials for spin-valve structures based on the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect. Reactive sputtering with a mixture of Argon and Oxygen will be used to fabricate these materials. The materials to be investigated have high Neel temperatures, thus they are expected to operate at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. These materials are highly insulating with resistivities much larger than 200 u_cm, thus they shunt no current from the spin valve structures. Because these materials are oxides, they are also expected to have high corrosion resistance to common chemicals. These improved oxide pinning materials will enhance the operating temperature range of spin valve materials, improve their performance characteristics and service life for magnetic recording read heads, magnetic memories, and automotive and industrial sensors.