Giant magnetoresistance without defect scattering

Kees M. Schep*, Paul J. Kelly, Gerrit E.W. Bauer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

158 Citations (Scopus)
102 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The ballistic transport properties of magnetic metallic multilayers are studied using calculations based on the local-spin-density approximation in which the s electrons and the d electrons, usually held responsible for conduction and magnetism, respectively, are treated on an equal footing. A giant magnetoresistance of up to 120% is calculated for point contacts of Co/Cu multilayers. The effect can be explained as a slowing down of the s electrons by hybridization with d electrons which are strongly reflected and partially localized by the spin-dependent interface potentials. The method should be a useful instrument in a systematic search for new materials for magnetoresistive applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)586-589
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume74
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jan 1995
Externally publishedYes

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