Abstract
Local M-H loops have been measured on the free layer of a magnetic tunnel junction multilayers using the magneto-optical Kerr effect system, with 2 μm spatial resolution. The relatively irregular variations of coercivity H C (∼17.5 Oe) and exchange coupling field HE (∼7.5 Oe) are revealed in as-deposited sample prepared by the DC magnetron sputtering. After 200°C annealing, HC decreases to 15 Oe, while H E increases to 20 Oe with smooth local variation. Two-dimensional plots of HC and HE show the symmetric saddle shapes with their axes aligned with the pinned layer, where both HC and H E variations along free-layer axis are larger than those along pinned-layer axis. The increasing slope per micrometer of normalized H C and HE are the same near the junction edge along free-layer direction irrespective of junction size, giving the relatively uniform HC and HE for wider junction size.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 271-276 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials |
Volume | 268 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 Jan 1 |
Keywords
- Coercivity
- Exchange coupling
- MTJ
- Size effect
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics