Large magnetoresistance in current-perpendicular-to-plane pseudospin valve using a Co2 Fe (Ge0.5 Ga0.5) Heusler alloy

Abstract

Using a newly developed highly spin-polarized Heusler alloy, Co2 Fe (Ga0.5 Ge0.5) (CFGG), as ferromagnetic layers, we have fabricated a current-perpendicular-to-plane pseudospin valve with large resistance change-area product (ΔRA) of 9.5 m μ m 2 and magnetoresistance (MR) ratio (100×ΔR/R) of 41.7% at 300 K. These values were further enhanced to Δ R A=26.4 m μ m 2 and MR=129.1% at 10 K. The large MR values are attributed to the high spin polarization of the CFGG alloy confirmed by point contact Andreev reflection measurements. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.