GMR sensor scheme with artificial antiferromagnetic subsystem

TLDR

A magnetoresistive GMR‑sensor scheme is demonstrated and analyzed in which the hard magnetic layers are replaced by Artificial Antiferromagnetic Subsystems (AAF’s). The AAF consists of ferromagnetic layers antiferromagnetically coupled via interlayers. The AAF improves magnetic rigidity by an order of magnitude, enabling 360°/deg detectors at 20 kA/m, a 6 % sensor signal, a 150 °C temperature range, and 1° angle resolution.

Abstract

A magnetoresistive GMR-sensor scheme is demonstrated and analyzed in which the hard magnetic layers are replaced by Artificial Antiferromagnetic Subsystems (AAF's). These consist of ferromagnetic layers antiferromagnetically coupled via interlayers. The magnetic rigidity of this AAF is improved by an order of magnitude compared to the individual magnetic layers. Operational field windows for 360/spl deg/-angle detectors 20 kA/m have been realized. The sensor signal /spl Delta//spl rho///spl rho/ is 6%. The temperature-operation range extends itself up to 150/spl deg/C. The angle resolution is 1/spl deg/.