Pseudo Spin Valves Using a (112)-textured DO_22 MnGa Fixed Layer

TL;DR

This paper presents the development of pseudo spin valves with a (112)-textured MnGa fixed layer and an in-plane CoFe free layer, demonstrating tunable magnetoresistance through interface engineering and studying exchange coupling.

Contribution

It introduces a novel (112)-textured DO_22 MnGa fixed layer in pseudo spin valves and explores how interface modifications affect magnetoresistance and exchange coupling.

Findings

Transition from negative to positive MR achieved by interface engineering.

Introduction of CoFe insertion layer enhances spin polarization.

Exchange coupling characterized using FORC technique.

Abstract

We demonstrate pseudo spin valves with a (112)-textured DO_22 MnGa (MnGa) tilted magnetization fixed layer and an in-plane CoFe free layer. Single D0_22 MnGa films exhibit a small magnetoresistance (MR) typically observed in metals. In MnGa/Cu/ CoFe spin valves a transition from a negative (-0.08%) to positive (3.88%) MR is realized by introducing a thin spin polarizing CoFe insertion layer at the MnGa/Cu interface and tailoring the MnGa thickness. Finally, the exchange coupling between the MnGa and CoFe insertion layer is studied using a first-order reversal curve (FORC) technique.