The amount of linearization by barber-poles

Abstract

Barber-poles are well known means for linearization of the quadratic characteristic of the magnetoresistive effect. The paper reminds causes for incomplete linearization and introduces a model of a resistor with a linear and a quadratic term. The latter one is cancelled in the output of a bridge-type sensor, but is found in the resistance of the bridge. The quadratic part shows a marked dependence on geometry but there is also a contribution from the finite conductivity of the barber-poles. Measurement of the linear as well of the quadratic part of the magnetoresistive effect allows comparison of different barber-pole technologies.