Relationship Between Thermal Stability and Layer-Stack/Structure of NiMn-Based GMR Systems

This paper deals with the dependence of NiMn-based spin valves' functionality on temperature and time and with the factors influencing their thermal stability. As will be shown, the NiMn-based systems can be used for more than 660 h at 250 °C without degradation, but also an application up to 400 °C for short time is possible. The investigations reveal the dependence of the system's thermal stability on the layer-stack and its structure. The exchange bias turns out to be an indicator for a spin valve's thermal stability.