Ultra-Compact 100 x 100 μm² Footprint Hybrid Device with Spin-Valve Nanosensors.

Magnetic field mapping with micrometric spatial resolution and high sensitivity is a challenging application, and the technological solutions are usually based on large area devices integrating discrete magnetic flux guide elements. In this work we demonstrate a high performance hybrid device with improved field sensitivity levels and small footprint, consisting of a ultra-compact 2D design where nanometric spin valve sensors are inserted within the gap of thin-film magnetic flux concentrators. Pole-sensor distances down to 400 nm are demonstrated using nanofabrication techniques combined with an optimized liftoff process. These 100 x 100 μm² pixel sensors can be integrated in modular devices for surface mapping without moving parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]