Origin of Spin-Valve Magnetoresistance: Interface or Bulk Spin-dependent Scattering?

To understand the role of interface and/or bulk spin-dependent scattering in spin-valve sandwiches, we perform the calculations of spin-valve giant magnetoresistance (GMR) using our previously published model. The comparison with experimental results demonstrates that the interfacial scattering plays a dominant role in Fe/Cr spin-valve sandwiches. In the presence of both interfacial and bulk spin-dependent scattering, the spin-valve GMR is calculated by extending the above model. We show that the dependence of the calculated GMR on ferromagnetic and/or non-magnetic thickness is consistent with the experimental results in NiFe/Cu/NiFe and/or Co/Cu/Co sandwiched structures, indicating that the bulk spin-dependent scattering also plays an important role in NiFe/ Cu/NiFe and/or Co/Cu/Co system. These results are helpful for the preparation of actual spin-valve sandwiches.