2025/12/27 by S. Abdizadeh, Rachel E. Maizel, Abdizadeh, Sachli +6
Physics and Astronomy · Materials Science · #Magnetic properties of thin films #Quantum and electron transport phenomena #Heusler alloys: electronic and magnetic properties
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2512.22726
Emerging spin-orbit-torque devices based on spin valves require a thin magnetic free layer to maximize the torque per moment. However, reducing the free-layer thickness to \lesssim 2 nm deteriorates the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) signal for electrical readout. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of a 1-nm Cu seed layer promotes sharp interfaces in simple polycrystalline Co-based spin valves, enabling high GMR ratios of 5-7% at sub-2-nm free-layer thicknesses. Our work offers a pathway for engineering high-signal GMR readout in spin-orbit-torque digital memories and neuromorphic computers.