Influence of the Deposition Temperature οn Magnetotransport Properties οf Ni-Fe/Au/Co/Au Multilayers

Abstract

A correlation between the growth process and electrical properties of [Ni80Fe20(2 nm)/ Au(2 nm)/Co(0.8 nm)/Au(2 nm)]15 multilayers is presented. A set of multilayers of identical composition was deposited in different temperatures. The changes in giant magnetoresistance amplitude were correlated with the changes in Co layers growth process that occur in different temperatures. The in situ conductance measurement leads to the growth mechanism identification in high temperatures as formation of Co islands. Intensified islandisation of Co was eventually confirmed by the temperature changes in shape of the Hall voltage loops, and the evolution of Co layers contribution.

Electronic Transport Properties and Growth Mechanisms of Ni-Fe/Au/Co/Au Multilayers from In Situ Conduction Measurements

“…In case of the ∆p(N −1 ) dependence for Au/Co interfaces in Mls deposited at T D = 150 • C, the grain boundary scattering exceeds the sublayer boundary scattering in the entire range of N , causing almost zero values of ∆p for each N . It correlates with enhanced Volmer-Weber growth mode of Co at Au surface [8,9].…”

“…Previously, the changes in magnetotransport properties of [Py(2 nm)/Au(2 nm)/Co(0.8 nm)/Au(2 nm)] 15 Mls induced by deposition temperatures variations were reported [8,9]. It was found that application of deposition temperature T D > 25 • C enhances the three--dimensional growth of Co at Au surfaces, which leads to the discontinuous character of Co sublayers deposited at T D = 150 • C. Co islands in (Py/Au/Co/Au) 15 systems were found to be superparamagnetic in nature [9].…”