Temperature dependence of the resistivity and tunneling magnetoresistance of sputtered FeHf(Si)O cermet films

G. J. Strijkers, H. J. M. Swagten, B. Rulkens, R. H. J. N. Bitter, W. J. M. de Jonge, P. J. H. Bloemen, K. M. Schep
1998 Journal of Applied Physics  
We have studied the tunneling resistivity and magnetoresistance of reactive sputter deposited FeHfO and FeHfSiO thin granular films. Maximum magnetoresistance ratios at room temperature of 2% and 3.2% were observed for films with compositions of Fe 47 Hf 10 O 43 and Fe 40 Hf 6 Si 6 O 48 , respectively. The magnetoresistance shows a decrease with temperature, which cannot be explained by spin-dependent tunneling only. We propose that spin-flip scattering in the amorphous FeHf͑Si͒O matrix causes
more » ... his decrease as function of temperature. A two current model for the tunnel magnetoresistance, taking into account spin-flip scattering, is presented which can describe the observed temperature dependence of the magnetoresistance.
doi:10.1063/1.368443 fatcat:g2wt5fyfjffann2zksa3ek77hq