Radial distribution function analysis of the amorphous barrier layer in magnetic spin tunnel junctions
Spin tunnel junctions consist of two ferrromagnetic layers separated by an amorphous insulating barrier layer which is a few nanometers thick. The barrier layer is the most critical layer in terms of magnetic transport properties and yet, of all the layers, the structure of this layer has been the l...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Conference item |
| Published: |
2004
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| Summary: | Spin tunnel junctions consist of two ferrromagnetic layers separated by an amorphous insulating barrier layer which is a few nanometers thick. The barrier layer is the most critical layer in terms of magnetic transport properties and yet, of all the layers, the structure of this layer has been the least investigated, mainly due to difficulties in carrying out structural investigations of nanovolumes of amorphous materials. In this paper we demonstrate how the technique of radial distribution function analysis using electrons can be used to investigate such small volumes, by applying it to the aluminium oxide amorphous layer in a junction. The analysis results in a radial distribution function which matches those obtained by neutron and X-ray diffraction from bulk material. |
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