Sharp Angular Dependence of Free Layer Coercivity in Spin Valves with Ferromagnetic Interlayer Coupling

Abstract

The dependence of free layer coercivity on the angle between easy axis and applied magnetic field was studied on [Ta, (Ni80Fe20)60Cr40]/ Ni80Fe20/Co90Fe10/Cu/Co90Fe10/Mn75Ir25/Ta spin valves with various interlayer coupling. Sharp decrease on the angle was observed for ferromagnetically coupled spin valves. The coercivity was reduced down to tenth of Oersted without any decrease of GMR-effect by forming nearly parallel anisotropy configuration. The angles at which the transition from hysteretic to anhysteretic magnetic reversal takes place are detected by analyses of the angle dependence of coercivity. Interpretation of experimental data is based on Stoner-Wohlfarth coherent rotation approach.