Interface engineering of GMR multilayers and exchange-biased spin-valves using Ag as a surface modifier

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) type Co-Cu multilayers and exchange-biased spin-valve (EBSV) type Co-Cu-Co tri-layers are fabricated by sputtering with a thin layer of Ag inserted between Co and Cu as a surface modifier (SM). Their magnetoresistances (MR) are measured in both current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) and current-in-plane (CIP) configurations. In all situations, the size of the MR change decreases as the Ag SM is introduced, and the effect is interface related. Index Terms--Current-in-plane (CIP), current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP), exchange-biased spin-valve (EBSV), giant magnetoresistance (GMR), surface modifier.