Lorentz microscopy investigation of the free layer reversal in CoFe and Co top spin-valves

Lim, C.K., Chapman, J.N., Rahman, M., Johnston, A.B. and O'Donnell, K. (2002) Lorentz microscopy investigation of the free layer reversal in CoFe and Co top spin-valves. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 238(2-3), 301 -305. (doi: 10.1016/S0304-8853(01)00939-8)

Abstract

The magnetisation reversal of the free layer of two different spin-valve (SV) films with crossed anisotropy was studied using Lorentz microscopy in a modified transmission electron microscope. Both SVs were of similar construction, the principal difference being the replacement of Co by CoFe in the layers surrounding the non-magnetic spacer. Marked differences in the reversal mode were apparent, For CoFe SVs reversal was usually by rotation and experimental results were in good agreement with those predicted by a modified Stoner-Wohlfarth model. By contrast, reversal in Co SVs tended to involve complex domain processes with a high degree of irreversibility. The differences are attributed to the much higher magnetostriction constant of Co which gives rise to substantial local property variation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: UNSPECIFIED
• Authors: Lim, C.K., Chapman, J.N., Rahman, M., Johnston, A.B., and O'Donnell, K.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
• ISSN: 0304-8853