Accessing Different Spin-Disordered States using First Order Reversal Curves

TL;DR

This study employs combined first order reversal curve analyses of magnetization and magnetoresistance to explore spin-disordered states in spintronic systems, revealing complex correlations and higher disorder states than conventional methods.

Contribution

It introduces a combined FORC approach to access and analyze highly disordered spin states and their impact on magnetoresistance in spintronic materials.

Findings

M and MR show a simple relationship in PSV due to minimal interactions.

Complex correlation between magnetization and MR in multilayers with interacting layers.

FORC protocol accesses higher spin disorder states with larger MR than conventional methods.

Abstract

Combined first order reversal curve (FORC) analyses of the magnetization (M-FORC) and magnetoresistance (MR-FORC) have been employed to provide a comprehensive study of the M-MR correlation in two canonical systems: a NiFe/Cu/FePt pseudo spin-valve (PSV) and a [Co/Cu]8 multilayer. In the PSV, due to the large difference in switching fields and minimal interactions between the NiFe and FePt layers, the M and MR show a simple one-to-one relationship during reversal. In the [Co/Cu]8 multilayer, the correlation between the magnetization reversal and MR evolution is more complex. This is primarily due to the similar switching fields of, and interactions between, the constituent Co layers. The FORC protocol accesses states with much higher spin disorders and larger MR than those found along the conventional major loop field-cycle. Unlike the M-FORC measurements, which only probe changes in the macroscopic magnetization, the MR-FORCs are more sensitive to the microscopic domain configurations, as those are most important in determining the resultant MR effect size. This approach is generally applicable to spintronic systems to realize the maximum spin-disorder and the largest MR.