Co/Pt multilayer-based pseudo spin valves with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Pseudo spin valves (SVs) exhibiting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy were prepared by magnetron sputtering. Magnetization measurements of the Co/Pt multilayers were performed to select the reference and free layers. The selection criteria are square magnetic hysteresis loops, weaker current shunting effect, and proper coercivity. The optimal reference layer and free layer are Pt(5.0 nm)/[Co(0.4 nm)/Pt(0.6 nm)]3/Co(0.4 nm)/Cu(3.0 nm) and Cu(3.0 nm)/[Co(0.4 nm)/Pt(1.5 nm)]4, respectively. The resulting pseudo SV exhibits two well-separated hysteresis loops when the field is applied perpendicular to the film plane. The minor hysteresis loop corresponding to the free layer shifts toward negative direction of the magnetic field axis, indicating ferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling between the two magnetic layers. The coupling also enhances the coercivity (HC) of both layers. The perpendicular giant magnetoresistance (GMR) of 2.7 % is achieved with current in plane measurement. The GMR first increases when Pt seed layer is thickened, reaches a maximum of 3.0 % at 4 nm and then decreases with the further increase of thickness. But thicker Cu spacer layer always lowers the GMR of the SV.