Published April 23, 2007 | Version v1
Journal article

Magnetoresistive sensors

  • 1. Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST), Physics Department, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1096 Lisbon (Portugal)
  • 2. Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas de Computadores-Microsystems and Nanotechnology (INESC-MN), Rua Alves Redol, n09-10, 1000-029 Lisbon (Portugal)

Description

Magnetoresistive sensors using spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions are reviewed, considering applications as readers in hard disk drives, as well as applications where the ultimate field detection limits are required (from nT down to pT). The sensor noise level in quasi-DC or high-frequency applications is described, leading to sensor design considerations concerning biomedical and read head applications. Magnetic tunnel junction based sensors using MgO barriers appear as the best candidates for ultra-low field (pT) detection, either in the high-frequency regime, or for quasi-DC applications

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1088/0953-8984/19/16/165221;
PII
S0953-8984(07)34484-6;

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
16
Journal Page Range
p. 165221
ISSN
0953-8984
CODEN
JCOMEL