Multi-step magnetization process of Gd-Co/Co/Cu/Co thermo-sensitive spin valves

Abstract

Magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of the Gd-Co/Co/Cu/Co magnetic type multilayered sensitive spin valve were studied as a function of temperature. It is shown that the appearance of a non-collinear magnetic structure significantly affects the shape of the magnetoresistive hysteresis loop. The characteristic values of the critical field related to the appearance of non-collinear structure depend on the temperature of the spin valve. The obtained results can serve as a basis for the improvements of functional properties and expanding the application areas of magnetic multilayered sensitive elements of the spin valve type; for example, for precise determination of the position of the object. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.