Magnetoresistance and performance of amorphous-CoNbZr∕Co∕Cu∕Co magnetic multilayers

A pseudo spin-valve (PSV) using amorphous CoNbZr alloy as a soft magnetic layer and buffer layer was proposed. The giant magnetoresistance (GMR), thermal annealing effect, and the performance were investigated. Antiparallel magnetization alignments were observed in the samples with 2–4nm CoNbZr layer and a maximum GMR of 6.5% was obtained. Furthermore, sandwich with relatively thick CoNbZr layer has a superior thermal stability to 400°C and a GMR enhancement to about 9%. After patterning to 6μm×1μm elliptic stripe, a single domain forms and the dynamic MR behavior indicates the stripe has a linear and stable GMR response. Therefore, it is believed that the PSVs with amorphous CoNbZr layers have good potentials for spin-electronic devices.