Control of spin-polarized electron magnetoresistance in Ta/NiFe/Ta films by intercalation of Au.

Intercalation layers of Au were formed in Ta/NiFe/Ta films to control the interface properties of the films. It was found that small amounts of Au may enhance the magnetoresistance (MR) value up to 2.63%. The intercalation at different interfaces had different effects. Intercalation of Au at the top (bottom) interface with respect to the substrate exhibits weak (strong) diffusion of Au into NiFe. At weak diffusion, a homogeneous Au layer is formed which explains the large MR effect. At strong diffusion, since Au possesses a relatively strong spin-orbit interaction, the enhanced MR effect was explained by the spin-orbit scattering of polarized electrons in the NiFe layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]