Control of inter-layer coupling field in spin valves by thin oxide layer

The trade-off between the high giant magnetoresistance (GMR) value and the inter-layer coupling field is often inevitable in spin-valve heads. In a previous study, it has been found that the inter-layer coupling field can be controlled without sacrificing GMR values by the formation of a thin oxide layer at the interface between free and capping layers in bottom-type spin valves with a synthetic ferrimagnet. This article discusses the effects of the oxide layer on the interlayer coupling and MR responses of the spin valves.