GOALI: Constricted Current CPP Magnetic Sensor Via Electroplating

本研究的目的是利用奈米线感测元件，实现一种适合于磁记录的磁阻感测头。这种方法基于垂直于平面的电流几何结构，并且元件足够小，可以适合在太比特/英寸密度下可用的屏蔽之间的小体积。智能的优点在于传感器的理论和制造，该传感器旨在解决磁记录的五个最重要的问题。这些包括：电阻R作为磁场的适当变化，最佳电阻R约为40，适当的磁阻比R/R，适当的散热，以及对热波动引起的噪声的抵抗力。提出的研究通过实验（主要是电化学）和理论（主要是模型电导率计算和微磁学）的结合来解决这些问题。这项研究的广泛影响包括：想要了解研究的人（本科生和高中生），刚开始研究生涯的研究生，以及特别重视工业的研究人员。本科生和高中教师/学生将参加本科生研究体验项目。研究生将受益于跨学科中心和广泛的行业接触。此外，除了与GOALI的合作伙伴进行互动外，还计划访问多家美国唱片公司。最后，虽然这个建议是针对磁记录行业的需求，其他应用，如自旋电子学和传感器阵列也可以从这个研究中提出的非常小的传感器中受益。

The objective of this research is to realize a magnetoresistive sense head suitable for magnetic recording using a nanowire sensing element. This approach is based on a Current Perpendicular to Plane geometry and the element is sufficiently small that it can fit in the small volume between the shields that will likely be available at Terrabit/inch2 densities. The intectual merit is in the theory and fabrication of the sensor, which is designed to address the five most significant issues to magnetic recording. These include: adequate change in resistance R as a function of magnetic field, an optimal resistance R of approximately 40, adequate magnetoresistive ratio R/R, adequate heat dissipation, and resistance to noise induced by thermal fluctuations. The proposed research addresses these issues by a combination of experiment, primarily electrochemistry, and theory, primarily model conductivity calculations and micromagnetics. The broad impact of this research involves: people who want to learn about research (undergraduate and high school), graduate students who are beginning their research careers, and fellow researchers with particular emphasis towards industry. Undergraduates and high school teachers/students will participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates programs. Graduate students will benefit from interdisciplinary centers and extensive contact with industry. And, a visit to multiple U.S. recording companies is proposed, in addition to interactions with this GOALI's partner. Finally, although this proposal is worded towards the needs of the magnetic recording industry, other applications such as spintronics and sensor arrays could also benefit from the very small sensors proposed in this research.