Abstract
The magnetic and magnetotransport properties of field-aligned half-metallic powders have been studied. Needle-shaped nanoparticles of have been aligned in a strong magnetic field. The aligned powder sample shows a strong anisotropy along the alignment direction. The conduction mechanism of the aligned powder sample has been examined and is consistent with the intergranular spin-dependent tunneling. Negative tunneling magnetoresistance of about 41% is achieved in a small field in the vicinity of the coercive field at 5 K. The magnetoresistance (MR) versus field curve shows two well-separated narrow peaks at the coercive fields and resembles that of a magnetic tunnel junction. This junctionlike MR results from the narrow switching field distribution of the aligned powders. Our results suggest that the aligned magnetic particles may find novel applications in spin-transport structures and devices.
- Received 20 September 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.63.054434
©2001 American Physical Society