In-plane magnetotransport properties of Permalloy∕gadolinium∕Permalloy trilayers

Abstract

In this work we report on the magnetic and electrical properties of Permalloy∕gadolinium∕Permalloy (Py∕Gd∕Py) trilayers at low temperatures. These results are complemented with a structural study and numerical calculations. The Py-Gd coupling field is derived from magnetoresistance measurements in the transverse configuration of the trilayer with a Permalloy thickness lower than its exchange correlation length. The coupling field obtained was low, likely due to the presence of low Curie temperature Gd1−xNix alloys at the Py∕Gd interfaces.