Anisotropic magnetoresistance probed by non-resonant microwave absorption in exchange-biased NiFe/IrMn structures

Sharp change of non-resonant microwave absorption was found in exchange-biased NiFe/IrMn and NiFe/Cu/ IrMn structures possessing anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and planar Hall effect (PHE). Angular dependence of the microwave detected AMR and contribution of the domain expansion to AMR microwave signal were analyzed. Decrease in the microwave absorption signal caused by Cu spacer between ferromagnetic NiFe and antiferromagnetic IrMn layers was observed, when NiFe and IrMn layers become exchange decoupled. Additional characterization of the electric transport was proved by asymmetry of resonant line. Sensitivity of the microwave AMR method is enough high to detect magnetic fields of microTesla level, that provides remote detection with a sensitivity corresponding to standard galvanic sensors. Developed technique is promising for wireless AMR sensor technology providing coordinate and angular field measurements through remote microwave absorption.