Spin valves based on Mn{sub 75}Ir{sub 25} antiferromagnet with controllable functional parameters

Using the example of spin valves of the Ta(50 Å)/Ni{sub 80}Fe{sub 20}(30 Å)/Co{sub 90}Fe{sub 10}(15 Å)/Cu(28 Å)/Co{sub 90}Fe{sub 10}(20 Å)/Mn{sub 75}Ir{sub 25}(50 Å)/Ta(20 Å) composition, factors controlling the hysteresis properties are studied for the case of macro- and microscopic sizes of an experimental sample. It is shown that a linear change in the magnetoresistance with small hysteresis while retaining the giant magnetoresistance effect at a level of 8% can be obtained in a micro-object (meander) using thermomagnetic treatment.