Magnetic multilayer and magnetoresistance effect element

Abstract: A magnetic multilayer is an alternate stack of a plurality of magnetic thin films containing Fe, Co or Ni and a plurality of Ag thin film. Both the films are formed by molecular beam epitaxy to a thickness of 2 to 60 Å. The multilayer has an axis of easy magnetization in a plane parallel to the surface and an in-plane squareness ratio of 0.5 or lower and exhibits antiferromagnetism. The multilayer shows giant magnetoresistance change in low magnetic fields, for example, a magnetoresistance change of 1 to 40% in a magnetic field of 0.01 to 20 kOe.

Description: This invention relates to a magnetic multilayer structure and a magnetoresistance effect element (MR element) using the same. MR elements including various magnetic sensors (MR sensors) and magnetic heads (MR heads) are to detect a change in electric resistance produced in a magnetic film on application of a magnetic field to thereby measure the magnetic field intensity or its change. They are generally required to have a great differential magnetoresistance and a low operating magnetic field intensity at room temperature. Prior art MR elements used magnetic films of Fe-Ni (Permalloy) and Ni-Co alloys in order to take advantage of their anisotropic magnetoresistance effect. The Fe-Ni and Ni-Co alloys can operate with a low magnetic field intensity, but have a differential magnetoresistance as low as 2 to 5%. With the advance of the modern thin film technology, artificial superlattices were developed using a molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) method. Each artificial superlattice has a multilayered structure including thin metal layers having a thickness of an atomic order stacked at regular intervals using a molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) method and exhibits different properties from bulk metal. One of recently developed artificial superlattices is a giant magnetoresistance changing material in the form of an Fe/Cr magnetic multilayer comprising alternately stacked Fe and Cr films. In this multilayer, a pair of Fe films sandwiching a Cr film are magnetically coupled in antiparallelism. On application of an external magnetic field, Fe spins are gradually aligned in one given direction and accordingly, the resistance lowers. As a consequence, the multilayer shows a giant magnetoresistance change of 46% at 4.2K and 16% at room temperature (see Physical Review Letters, Vol. 61, page 2472, 1988). The Fe/Cr magnetic multilayer has such a giant magnetoresistance change, but requires an operating magnetic field intensity of about 1592 kA / m (20 kOe), which imposes some limitations on the multilayer in practical use. Active research efforts were concentrated on the artificial lattice magnetic multilayers exhibiting antiferromagnetism. Up to the present, interlaminar coupling of antiferromagnetic spins was discovered in Co/Cr and Co/Ru magnetic multilayers (see Physical Review Letters, Vol. 64, page 2304, 1990). The magnetoresistance change is undesirably as low as 6.5% at 4.5K for the Co/Cr system and 6.5% at 4.5K for the Co/Ru system. From Applied Physics A: Solids and Surfaces A49 (1989), No.5 (pages 513 to 518) a multi thin film layer comprising Fe/Ag produced by molecular beam epitaxy having in plane easy axis of magnetization and Br/Bs < 0,5 is known. A magnetic thin film containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni as well as at least one Ag thin film can not be derived. JP-A-63-64374 discloses a magneto resistance effect type magnetic sensitive element comprising a multi-layer of NiFe/Ag. The BH-loop in an in-plane axis of easy magnetization direction of said element is shown by a solid curve in figure 2, indicating a squareness ratio Br/Bs in excess of 0.9. From DE-C-38 20 475 a magnetic multi-layer system of (Ni, Fe, Co)/(Au, Cr, V) is known. There is no indication that the by the substitution of Au by Ag a significant increase of the MR ratio is accomplished. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, volume 93 (1991, pages 101 to 104)) and Physical Review B, volume 43, No. 1, (1991) pages 1297 to 1300 refer to spin-valve multilayers essentially comprising FeMn. Not only the in-plane Br/Bs is much higher than claimed in the present invention but also the MR ratio is extremely low in comparison with the MR ratio as claimed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved magnetic multilayer having a giant magnetoresistance change and requiring a low operating magnetic field intensity to provide such a giant magneto-resistance change. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved magnetic multilayer capable of varying the operating magnetic field intensity at which a giant magnetoresistance change is available. A further object of the present invention is to provide a magnetoresistance effect element using such a magnetic multilayer. Said objects are solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims. According to the present application a magnetic multilayer on a substrate comprising at least two magnetic thin films which are antiferromagnetically coupled containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni and at least one Ag thin film stacked one on top of another is provided, said multilayer having an axis of easy magnetization in a plane parallel to the surface and a squareness ratio Br/Bs in the plane of up to 0.5, wherein at least one magnetic thin film has a thickness of 2 to 60 x 10- 10 m (2 to 60 Å), and at least one Ag thin films has a thickness of 2 to 60 x 10- 10 m (2 to 60 Å). Preferably, the magnetic thin films and the Ag thin films are formed by a molecular beam epitaxial method. Also contemplated herein is a magnetoresistance effect element comprising a magnetic multilayer as defined above. Journal of Japan Applied Magnetism Society, 13, 335-338 (1989) discloses artificial superlattice magnetic multilayers of Co/Ag and Fe/Ag systems using a high frequency sputtering method. Since these multilayers, however, utilize polar magnetic Kerr effect and have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, they would show a low magnetoresistance change if built as MR elements. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 26, Supplement 26-3, 1451 (1987) also reports an artificial lattice magnetic multilayer of Co/Ag system using a sputtering method. As to this multilayer, the electric resistance (sheet resistivity) and its dependency on Co and Ag lamination order are mainly discussed while no reference is made to antiferromagnetism and magnetoresistance change. Superlattices and Microstructures, Vol. 4, No. 1, 45 (1988) reports magnetic multilayers of Fe, Co or Ni films and Ag films prepared by sputtering while their Hall coefficient and magnetoresistance effect are discussed. The magnetoresistance effect of Co/Ag discussed therein is attributable to the magnetic domain structure of Co that magnetic domains are randomly oriented in a weak magnetic field applied and is thus essentially different from a giant magnetoresistance change due to antiferromagnetism as found in the present invention. Further, Journal of Japan Applied Magnetism Society, 13, 339-342 (1989) discloses an artificial lattice magnetic multilayer of Co/Au system using a molecular beam epitaxial method. This multilayer has vertical magnetic anisotropy and a magnetoresistance change as low as 1% at 39.6 kA / m (0.5 kOe)and room temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a magnetoresistance change ΔR/R of a magnetic multilayer of Example 1 relative to a magnetic field applied in transverse, longitudinal and normal directions. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a magnetoresistance change ΔR/R of magnetic multilayers of Examples 5 and 6 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto, the multilayers being on glass and MgO substrates. FIG. 3 shows magnetization curves of a magnetic multilayer of Example 1 relative to a magnetic field applied in in-plane and normal directions. FIG. 4 shows in enlargement a magnetization curve of a magnetic multilayer of Example 1 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto. FIG. 5 shows a magnetization curve of a magnetic multilayer of Example 5 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto. FIG. 6 shows a magnetization curve of a magnetic multilayer of Comparative Example 1 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto. FIG. 7 shows magnetization curves of magnetic multilayers of Example 7 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto. FIG. 8 shows a magnetization curve and a magneto-resistance change of a magnetic multilayer of Example 7 relative to a magnetic field applied thereto. FIG. 9 shows how the saturation applied magnetic field varies with Ag film thickness in a magnetic multilayer of the invention. FIG. 10 shows how the magnetoresistance change varies with Ag film thickness in a magnetic multilayer of the invention. FIG. 11 is an X-ray diffraction pattern of a magnetic multilayer of the invention on MgO substrate. FIG. 12 is an X-ray diffraction pattern of a magnetic multilayer of the invention on glass substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The magnetic multilayer of the present invention includes a plurality of magnetic thin films containing an iron group element and a plurality of non-magnetic intervening layers in the form of Ag thin films on a substrate. The magnetic thin films and Ag thin films are alternately stacked on the substrate. Each of the magnetic thin films contains at least one element selected from Co and Ni. The magnetic film is preferably formed of Co or Ni alone or an alloy of Co and Ni. It is also acceptable to form the magnetic film from an alloy containing at least 30 at% of Co, Ni or a mixture of two of them. The magnetic film has a thickness of up to 60 x 10 -10 m (60 Å), preferably up to 50 x 10 -10 m (50 Å), especially up to 40 x 10 -10 m (40 Å), most preferably up to 20 x 10 -10 m (20 Å). In excess of 60 x 10 -10 m (60 Å) in thickness, a giant magnetoresistance change would not be available since magnetic elements in adjacent films would be spaced a relatively large enough distance to cancel antiferromagnetic coupling. The magnetic film should be at least 2 x 10 -10 m (2 Å), preferably at least 4 x 10 -10 m (4 Å) thick. In a film of less than 2 x 10 -10 m (2 Å) thick, magnetic elements would not be continuously and closely arranged in the plane of formation, resulting in a loss of ferromagnetism. Each of the Ag thin films is a film consisting essentially of Ag, preferably a film consisting solely of Ag. The Ag film has a thickness of up to 60 x 10 -10 m (60 Å), preferably up to 50 x 10 -10 m (50 Å), most preferably up to 45 x 10 -10 m (45 Å). If the intervening Ag film is more than 60 x 10 -10 m (60 Å) thick, magnetic films would be spaced a relatively large distance so that antiferromagnetic coupling would be lost. The Ag film should be at least 2 x 10 -10 m (2 Å) thick. If the Ag film is less than 2 x 10 -10 m (2 Å) thick, it cannot be continuous with its function as a nonmagnetic intervening layer lost. In the magnetic multilayer of the present invention, the magnetic exchange coupling energy periodically oscillates and varies with the repetition interval of the magnetic layers, typically a change in the thickness of the Ag films. We first discovered this fact with regard to MBE grown artificial lattice magnetic multilayers although it was recently reported with regard to sputtered magnetic multilayers. More particularly, oscillatory magnetic exchange coupling mainly depends on the thickness of Ag thin films. As the thickness of Ag thin films is varied over the range of from 2 to 60 x 10 -10 m (2 to 60 Å), saturation magnetic field applied, Hsat, varies periodically in the range of from 79.6 to 796 kA/m (1 to 10 kOe). The maximum and minimum of Hsat also vary. At the same time, the magnetoresistance change varies and oscillates periodically. There is a range of Ag film thickness at which a giant magnetoresistance change of more than 10%, especially more than 16% and even approaching 20% at room temperature is available. As a result, by selecting the thickness of the Ag films in the range of 2 to 60 x 10 -10 m (2 to 60 Å), there is obtained freedom of design for magnetic multilayers having a magnetoresistance change of 1 to 20% at room temperature in an operating magnetic field of 0.79 to 1592 kA / m (0.01 to 20 kOe) in intensity. It is to be noted that the thickness of the magnetic thin films and Ag thin films can be measured by means of a transmission or scanning electron microscope and Auger electron spectroscopy and the grain structure can be identified by X-ray diffraction and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). In the magnetic multilayer of the present invention, the number of magnetic films stacked and the number of recurring magnetic film/Ag film units are not particularly limited and may be suitably chosen for the desired magnetoresistance change and the like. The number of recurring units is 2 or more, preferably 8 or more in order to provide an acceptable magnetoresistance change. In general, a larger number of recurring units is preferred because a bigger proportion of free electrons are subject to scattering. However, an extremely increased number of recurring units often results in deteriorated film quality and no further property improvement. Thus the maximum number of recurring units is preferably limited to 500, especially 200. It is to be noted that a long period superlattice structure can be identified by taking a small angle X-ray diffraction pattern where primary and secondary peaks corresponding to recurring periodicities appear. As a result of interlaminar antiferromagnetic coupling between magnetic thin films, the magnetic multilayer of the invention exhibits antiferromagnetism. The antiferromagnetism can be readily identified by polarized neutron diffraction, for example. As a result of antiferromagnetism, the multilayer has a squareness ratio Br/Bs of up to 0.5, especially up to 0.3, and even approaching zero when a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve or B-H loop of the multilayer is measured in a plane parallel to its surface by means of a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) or B-H tracer. The magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve or B-H loop has closely spaced magnetizing and demagnetizing curve segments. Further measurement of ease of magnetization or anisotropic energy in a plane parallel or normal to the multilayer surface by means of a VSM, B-H tracer or torque magnetometer indicates that the multilayer has an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the multilayer surface. FIG. 3 shows magnetization versus applied magnetic field curves A and B in planes parallel and normal to the multilayer surface. If Br/Bs in the parallel plane exceeds 0.5, the multilayer would be subject to a drastic drop in the proportion of antiferromagnetism within its interior and a lowering of magnetoresistance change therewith. The substrate on which the multilayer is formed may be formed of any desired materials including amorphous glass substrates and crystalline glass substrates as well as other commonly used substrates, for example, single crystal substrates of various oxides such as magnesium oxide, sapphire, silicon, gallium-arsenide, strontium titanate, barium titanate, and lithium niobate and polycrystalline substrates such as alumina-titanium carbide and calcium titanate. Although Fe/Cr systems present degraded properties on glass substrates, the multilayer of the present invention maintains fully acceptable properties even on glass substrates. A wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis shows that on a glass substrate, an Ag film has (111) orientation and a Co film has hcp(002) overlapping fcc(111) indicating polycrystalline nature. On an MgO substrate, Ag (200) and Co fcc(200) peaks are observed, indicating predominant (100) epitaxial growth. As to the dimensions of the substrate, no limit is imposed and a choice may be made in accordance with a particular element to which the multilayer is to be applied. The surface of the substrate on which the magnetic multilayer is to be formed may be provided with an undercoat if desired. On the surface of the uppermost layer may be provided an antioxidizing film of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or other metals as well as a conductive metal layer for electrode tapping. In the practice of the invention, the magnetic multilayer is preferably prepared by a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method. Since the magnetic films and Ag films are very thin, it is necessary to slowly deposit them. Film formation in an ultrahigh vacuum environment is necessary in order to avoid film contamination. In forming respective layers, depositing particles should have as low energy as possible for preventing interdiffusion from occurring with an attendant loss of antiferromagnetism. Best suited for these considerations is an MBE method. The MBE method is a kind of ultra high vacuum deposition process causing molecules or substance evaporated from a source in ultrahigh vacuum to deposit on a substrate surface, thereby growing a film. More particularly, sources of magnetic and nonmagnetic materials are equipped with shutters. One of the two sources is selected by opening one shutter with the other shutter closed. Film thickness is monitored by means of a suitable film gauge. In this way, magnetic and nonmagnetic films are alternately deposited. For film formation, the ultimate pressure is generally about 133.3 x 10 -11 to 133.3 x 10 -9 Pa (10 -11 to 10 -9 Torr), and the materials are deposited under a pressure at about 133.3 x 10 -11 to 133.3 x 10 -7 Pa (10 -11 to 10 -7 Torr), especially about 133.3 x 10 -10 to 133.3 x 10 7 Pa (10 -10 to 10 -7 Torr) at a rate of about 0.01 to 10 x 10 -10 m/sec (0.01 to 10 Å/sec), especially about 0.1 to 1 x 10 -10 m/sec (0.1 to 1.0 Å/sec). The depositing particles will have a kinetic energy of 0.01 to 5 eV, preferably 0.01 to 1 eV, with its center energy ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 eV. During film formation, the substrate may be heated if desired to obtain films of sound grain structure. To this end, the heating temperature should preferably be up to 800°C in order to prevent interdiffusion between adjoining films. It is also possible to form magnetic films in a magnetic field to enhance in-plane magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic multilayers of the invention are advantageously applicable to various MR elements including MR sensors and MR heads. In use, a biasing magnetic field is applied thereacross if needed. Also, the magnetic multilayers of the invention may be positioned in the gaps or tracks of a thin film type magnetic head so that reading operation can be conducted through the MR strips. EXAMPLE Examples of the present invention are given below by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Example 1 On a single crystal magnesium oxide substrate, Co magnetic films and Ag films were alternately deposited. There was fabricated a magnetic multilayer sample consisting of 70 units each consisting of a Co film of 6 x 10 -10 m (6 Å) and a Ag film of 8 x 10 -10 m (8 Å). This sample is designated [Co(6)-Ag(8)]x70. The thickness of each film was monitored by means of a transmission electron microscope. For MBE vacuum deposition, a vacuum chamber having an ultimate pressure of 933 x 10 -11 Pa (7x10 -11 Torr) was used. Film deposition was conducted in an operating pressure of 1293 x 10 -10 Pa (9.7x10 -10 Torr) and at a rate of about 0.5 x 10 -10 m/sec (0.5 Å/sec) while the substrate was rotated 30 r.p.m. and heated at 100°C. Depositing particles had a central kinetic energy of about 0.1 eV. A magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve was measured by means of a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Separately, the sample was cut into a strip of 0.3 mm x 1.0 mm 2 , which was measured for resistivity by a DC four terminal method while the external magnetic field was varied from -1592 to +1592 kA/m (-20 kOe to +20 kOe) at the maximum, for determining a magnetoresistance (MR) change rate ΔR/R. For measurement, a current flow of 64 µA was longitudinally passed through the strip and the external magnetic field was applied in different directions. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R is calculated based on the equation: ΔR/R = (Rmax - Rmin)/Rmin x 100% wherein Rmax is the maximum resistivity and Rmin is the minimum resistivity. FIG. 1 shows a magnetoresistance change ΔR/R relative to the applied field. Curve labeled Trans is the result obtained when an external magnetic field is applied in the sample plane and transverse to the current flow. Curve labeled Long is the result obtained when an external magnetic field is applied in the sample plane and parallel to the current flow. Curve labeled Norm is the result obtained when an external magnetic field is applied normal to the sample plane. As seen from the curve labeled Trans, the magnetoresistance change was 13.3% in an applied field of 398 kA / m (5 kOe) and 11.2% in an applied field of 238.8 kA/m (3 kOe) both at room temperature. A magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve with the field applied in a sample in-plane direction is shown in FIG. 3 as curve A and in FIG. 4. The squareness ratio was 0.1. It will be understood that curve B in FIG. 3 is a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve with the field applied in a normal plane. As seen from FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the multilayer had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a reduced squareness ratio, and antiferromagnetism. In fact, polarential neutron diffraction analysis also showed a diffraction line at a Bragg angle corresponding to twice the interval of the multilayer unit thickness, confirming interlaminar antiferromagnetic coupling. Example 2 A magnetic multilayer [Co(6)-Ag(8)]x70 was fabricated by repeating the procedure of Example 1 except that an amorphous glass substrate was used instead. This multilayer also had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.1, and antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R was 8.3% in an applied field of 557.2 kA / m (7 kOe) at room temperature and 19.4% in an applied field of 1592 kA / m (20 kOe) at -196°C (77K). Example 3 As in Example 1, a magnetic multilayer [Co(10)-Ag(8)]x40 was fabricated on a magnesia substrate. The operating pressure was 1053 x 10 -10 Pa (7.9x10 -10 Torr). This multilayer also had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.25, and antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R was 14.3% in an applied field of 557.2 kA/m (7 kOe) at -196°C (77K) when measured with a current flow of 132 µA. Example 4 As in Example 1, a magnetic multilayer [Co(15)-Ag(8)]x30 was fabricated on a magnesia substrate. The operating pressure was 280 x 10 -10 Pa (2.1x10 -10 Torr). This multilayer also had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.25, and antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R was 12.8% in an applied field of 557.2 kA/m (7 kOe) at -196°C (77K) when measured with a current flow of 145 µA. Example 5 As in Example 1, a magnetic multilayer [Co(6)-Ag(15)]x70 was fabricated on a magnesia substrate. The operating pressure was 307 x 10 -10 Pa (2.3x10 -10 Torr). This multilayer also had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.25, and antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R was 16.7% in an applied field of 557.2 kA/m (7 kOe) at -196°C (77 K) when measured with a current flow of 125 µA. FIG. 2 shows a magnetoresistance change ΔR/R (curve labeled MgO) and FIG. 5 shows a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve. Example 6 A magnetic multilayer [Co(6)-Ag(15)]x70 was fabricated by repeating the procedure of Example 5 except that an amorphous glass substrate was used instead. This multilayer also had an axis of easy magnetization within a plane parallel to the surface, a squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.1, and antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R was 26.8% in an applied field of 557.2 kA/m (7 kOe) at -196°C (77K) as measured with a current flow of 125 µA. The magnetoresistance change ΔR/R of this multilayer is shown in FIG. 2 as a curve labeled glass. Comparative Example 1 A magnetic multilayer [Co(50)-Ag(70)]x30 was fabricated on an amorphous glass substrate. The conditions included an ultimate pressure of 160 x 10 -10 Pa (1.2x10 -10 Torr), an operating pressure of 400 x 10 -9 Pa (3.0x10 -9 Torr), and a substrate temperature of 100°C. This multilayer showed a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve as shown in FIG. 6, indicating an in-plane squareness ratio Br/Bs of 0.9 and no antiferromagnetism. The magnetoresistance change was only 0.5% at 557.2 kA / m (7 kOe) and room temperature. Example 7 Magnetic multilayers [Co(6)-Ag(t)]x70 were fabricated in accordance with Example 1 while the thickness (t) of Ag films was varied. FIG. 7 in the lower half shows a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve at t = 25 x 10 -10 m (25 Å). The squareness ratio was 0.2. FIG. 7 in the upper half shows a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve at t = 8 x 10 -10 m (8 Å). FIG. 8 shows a magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve at t = 25 x 10 -10 m (25 Å) in the upper half and a magnetoresistance change at room temperature (RT) in the lower half. The magnetoresistance change rate is defined by the formula: (ρ - ρs)/ρs x 100% wherein ρs is a saturated resistivity in an applied magnetic field of 1592 kA/m (20 kOe), that is, a resistivity in ferromagnetic state (measuring current 290 µA), which is equal to 10 µΩcm in this example, and ρ is a resistivity in a varying applied magnetic field. FIG. 9 shows how the saturation applied magnetic field Hsat varies with the thickness of Ag film. It is seen that Hsat varies in a periodic oscillatory fashion with a varying thickness of Ag film. Maximum oscillation peaks appeared at t = 9 and 25 x 10 -10 m (9 Å and 25 Å). Antiferromagnetic coupling energy J AF was calculated to be 0.12 erg/cm 2 at the primary peak of 9 x 10 -10 m (9 Å) and 0.15 erg/cm 2 at the secondary peak of 25 x 10 -10 m (25 Å) based on the equation: J AF = Hsat·Ms·t(Co)/4 wherein Ms is saturation magnetization and t(Co) is the thickness of a Co film. FIG. 10 shows Δρ/ρs as a function of Ag film thickness wherein Δρ is an absolute change of resistivity and defined as Δρ = ρ0 - ρs wherein ρ0 is the resistivity in an applied magnetic field of zero. It is seen that Δρ/ρs varies in a periodic oscillatory fashion with two peaks. At the primary maximum peak at t(Ag) = 9 x 10 -10 m (9 Å), the magnetoresistance change was as great as 16% at room temperature and 30% at -196°C (77 K) at Hsat = 557.2 kA/m (7 kOe). At the secondary maximum peak at t(Ag) = 25 x 10 -10 m (25 Å), the magnetoresistance change was as great as 16% at room temperature and 36% at -196°C (77K) at Hsat = 796 kA / m (10 kOe). This suggests that a giant magnetoresistance change ranging from 10% to as high as 36% at room temperature will be available in an operating magnetic field of 159.2 to 796 kA / m (2 to 10 kOe). Equivalent results were obtained with glass substrates. FIGS. 11 and 12 show X-ray diffraction patterns of the magnetic multilayers on MgO and glass substrates, respectively. It is seen from FIG. 11 that epitaxial growth of (100) orientation took place in the film plane on the MgO substrate. It is seen from FIG. 12 that polycrystalline films formed on the glass substrate. Examgle 8 As in Example 1, 70 units each consisting of a Ni film of 7 x 10 -10 m (7 Å) and a Ag film of 10 x 10 -10 m (10 Å) were stacked, fabricating a magnetic multilayer sample designated [Ni (7) -Ag (10) ] x70 having a total thickness of 0.12 µm. Its magnetization curve and magnetoresistance change at room temperature changed little. This was because the Ni layers as magnetic films had a Curie temperature lower than room temperature as indicated by analysis. When measured at -196°C (77 K), the magnetization curve showed antiferromagnetism as found with Co/Ag, and the magnetoresistance change Δρ/ρs was 25%. Example 9 A magnetic multilayer designated [Ni(7)-Ag(22)]x70 was fabricated as in Example 8, which showed a Δρ/ρs of 8% at -196°C (77K). Comparative Example 2 A magnetic multilayer designated [Ni(7)-Ag(70)]x70 was fabricated as in Example 8, which showed a Δρ/ρs of 1% at -196°C (77K). There has been described a magnetic multilayer capable of giant magnetoresistance change in a lower magnetic field applied as compared with prior art magnetoresistance changing multilayers based on antiferromagnetic coupling. By virtue of the oscillatory periodic change of magnetic coupling energy, a magnetoresistance change of 1 to 40% is available in an operating magnetic field of 0.79 to 1592 kA/m (0.01 to 20 kOe). Since no limit is imposed on the type and temperature of a substrate on which the multilayer is stacked (for example, glass substrates are acceptable), the invention is advantageous for mass scale production. Any desired MR change is obtained by changing the direction of an external magnetic field applied thereto.

Claims: A magnetic multilayer on a substrate comprising at least two magnetic thin films which are antiferromagnetically coupled containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni and at least one Ag thin film stacked one on top of another, said multilayer having an axis of easy magnetization in a plane parallel to the surface and a squareness ratio Br/Bs in the plane of up to 0.5, wherein at least one magnetic thin film has a thickness of 2 to 60 x 10 -10 m (2 to 60 Å) and at least one Ag thin film has a thickness of 2 to 60 x 10 -10 m (2 to 60 Å). The magnetic multilayer of claim 1, wherein said magnetic thin film and said Ag thin film are formed by a molecular beam epitaxial method. A magnetoresistance effect element comprising a magnetic multilayer as set forth in one of claims 1 or 2.

Inventors: ARAKI SATORU, NARUMIYA YOSHIKAZU, YASUI KIYOMI, ARAKI, SATORU, NARUMIYA, YOSHIKAZU, YASUI, KIYOMI, ARAKI, SATORU, C/O TDK CORPORATION, NARUMIYA, YOSHIKAZU, C/O TDK CORPORTATION, YASUI, KIYOMI, C/O TDK CORPORATION
Applicants: TDK CORP, TDK CORPORATION
Application year: 1991
Main classification: H01F10
IPC codes: H01F10, G01R33, H01L43