(Feb.17, 2015) Measurements at BESSY II have shown how spin filters forming
within magnetic sandwiches influence tunnel magnetoresistance – results that
can help in designing spintronic components.
Research teams from Paris, Madrid and Berlin have observed
for the first time how magnetic domains mutually influence one another at
interfaces of spintronic components. Using measurements taken at BESSY II, they
could demonstrate that what are known as spin filters form between the outer
ferromagnetic layers and the inner anti-ferromagnetic insulating layer,
influencing tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR). In doing so, the teams enhanced our
understanding of processes that are important for future TMR data storage
devices and other spintronic components.