Annealing of Co(x)Cu(1-x)/Cu Multilayers
Abstract
In the multilayer system cobalt/copper at the second antiferromagnetic coupling maximum (2. AFM) with a copper thickness of d(Cu) = 2,2 nm it is possible to reduce magnetoresistive hysteresis by the use of either very thin Co-layers or by alloyed magnetic layers Co(1-x)Cu(x). It was possible to achieve values for the giant magnetoresistance effect of GMR nearly equal to 20% for as prepared samples. A heat treatment was applied to study the degeneration of the system. For annealing at moderate temperatures (T anneal less than or equal to 250 deg. C) an increase up to GMR nearly equal to 25% was observed. Annealing at slightly higher temperatures lead to an rapid decrease in the GMR effect. To study the structural changes the method of x-ray reflectivity was utilized showing changes in interface roughness as well as in bilayer thickness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADP014318
Entities
People
- Branko Stahl
- Horst Hahn
- Joerg Ebert
- Mohammad Ghafari
Organizations
- Technical University of Darmstadt