Spin-valve element having fixed layer containing nano-oxide layer
US7433161B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/3996
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A nonmagnetic material-noncontact layer forming a fixed magnetic layer is formed using CoFe, a nonmagnetic material-contact layer is formed using Co, and an NOL (Nano-Oxide Layer) is provided between the nonmagnetic material-noncontact layer and the nonmagnetic material-contact layer. In addition, the average film thickness of the nonmagnetic material-contact layer is set in the range of 16 to 19 Å. Accordingly, compared to a three-layered structure composed of CoFe, an NOL, and CoFe or a three-layered structure composed of Co, an NOL, and Co, which has been conventionally used, the rate (ΔR/R) of change in resistance and the unidirectional exchange bias magnetic field (Hex*) can both be improved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.