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Anisotropic interface magnetoresistance in Pt/Co/Pt sandwiches
A Kobs1, S Hesse, W Kreuzpaintner
1Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Hamburg, Jungiusstrasse 11, 20355 Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|June 25, 2011
Summary
Reduced dimensionality affects magnetotransport in platinum-cobalt layers. Resistivity depends on magnetization orientation, originating at cobalt-platinum interfaces, not size effects.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Reduced dimensionality in layered materials can significantly alter their electronic and magnetic properties.
- Interfaces play a crucial role in determining the behavior of thin-film heterostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the magnetotransport properties of platinum/cobalt/platinum (Pt/Co/Pt) thin films.
- To understand the influence of reduced dimensionality and interface effects on resistivity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Pt/Co/Pt multilayer structures.
- Measurement of resistivity in a current-in-plane geometry.
- Analysis of resistivity dependence on magnetization orientation and cobalt layer thickness.
Main Results:
- Resistivity was found to depend on the in-plane magnetization orientation, perpendicular to the current.
- A cos(2) dependence of resistivity on the angle to the surface normal was observed, with a maximum at the surface normal.
- The observed effect's dependence on cobalt thickness indicated an interface-driven mechanism.
Conclusions:
- An effect of reduced dimensionality on magnetotransport in Pt/Co/Pt systems was identified.
- The phenomenon originates at the Co/Pt interfaces and is distinct from texture-induced geometrical size effects.
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