Effect of nano oxide layer on exchange bias and GMR in Mn–Ir–Pt based spin valve

Abstract We have investigated the effect of nano oxide layers (NOLs), which were fabricated by a plasma oxidation of CoFe layer on the magnetic properties and magneto-resistance (MR) in a Mn–Ir–Pt based spin valve. The adjusted NOL could result in the high MR and the strong exchange coupling field ( H ex ). From a high resolution electron microscopy analysis the oxide was about 1 nm. The strong reflectivity at the interface of a free and oxide capping layer should lead to the decrease of an interlayer coupling field, which could possibly improve the H ex .