arXiv · cond-mat/0312466
Optimization of nanostructured permalloy electrodes for a lateral hybrid spin-valve structure
Abstract
Ferromagnetic electrodes of a lateral semiconductor-based spin-valve structure are designed to provide a maximum of spin-polarized injection current. A single-domain state in remanence is a prerequisite obtained by nanostructuring Permalloy thin film electrodes. Three regimes of aspect ratios $m$ are identified by room temperature magnetic force microscopy: (i) high-aspect ratios of $m \ge 20$ provide the favored remanent single-domain magnetization states, (ii) medium-aspect ratios $m \sim 3$ to $m \sim 20$ yield highly remanent states with closure domains and (iii) low-aspect ratios of $m \le 3$ lead to multi-domain structures. Lateral kinks, introduced to bridge the gap between micro- and macroscale, disturb the uniform magnetization of electrodes with high- and medium-aspect ratios. However, vertical flanks help to maintain a uniformly magnetized state at the ferromagnet-semiconcuctor contact by domain wall pinning.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
T. Last, S. Hacia, M. Wahle, S. F. Fischer, U. Kunze. 2004-06-18. Optimization of nanostructured permalloy electrodes for a lateral hybrid spin-valve structure. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1810197
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.