Spin-memory loss and current-perpendicular-to-plane-magnetoresistance in sputtered multilayers with Au.

We derive a spin-diffusion length at 4.2 K in sputtered Au, l[SUBsf,SUPAu] = 35[SUB-5,SUP+65] nm, spin-memory-loss at Au/Cu interfaces, δ[SUBAu/Cu] = 0.13[SUB-0.02,SUP+0.08], and Au/Cu interface specific resistance, 2AR[SUBAu/Cu] = 0.35[SUB-0.05,SUP+0.10] fΩ m[SUP2]. We also show that exchange biased spin valves with Au sandwiched between Co layers produce changes in specific resistance, A Δ R, comparable to those for Cu and Ag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]