Abstract
The near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical states of cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) in the specularly reflective ultrathin oxide layer in spin valves. The magnetoresistance responses show that oxygen reacted with the solute Fe rather than with the solvent Co. The Fe oxide transformed into α-Fe 2O3, leading to an increase in the magnetoresistance values. The results show that the magnetoresistance performance and the magnetic properties of the spin valves were improved by obtaining and controlling the appropriate oxide phases.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4803-4805 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 83 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2003 Dec 8 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)