Enhanced GMR in PtMn-based spin valves with specular reflective thin oxide layers

PtMn based Spin-valves with or without specular reflective thin oxide layers, OL, were prepared by sputtering. The MR ratios and /spl Delta/Rs of the spin-valves without OL were about 8% and 1.2 /spl Omega/. The values were increased up to 12-15% and /spl supe/2.6 /spl Omega/ by inserting an OL into the pinned and free layers. PtMn based spin-valves with synthetic AF and OL as the pinning layers were also studied. The MR ratio and /spl Delta/Rs were about 11% and 2.9 /spl Omega/. These PtMn based spin-valves showed better thermal stability than IrMn based spin-valves.