Temperature dependence of giant magneto-resistance in PtMn- and Fe2O3-based specular spin valves

Temperature dependence of the giant magneto-resistance (MR) was measured for spin valves with and without nanooxide layer (NOL). In spin valves with NOL, the MR ratio increased more remarkably on lowering the temperature than in those without NOL. The temperature dependence of MR ratio and that of the resistivity were explained. by using two-current model. The MR ratio enhanced with NOL is attributed to the increase of the mean free path of upspin electrons. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.