Magnetic aftereffects in CoFeB/Ta/CoFeB spin valves of large area

Abstract

Magnetic aftereffect measurements on a synthetic antiferromagnet with strong perpendicular anisotropy are presented. Two types of magnetic transitions are observed in the CoFeB/Ta/CoFeB bilayer where the two ferromagnetic CoFeB layers are antiferromagnetically coupled: the transition from a parallel to an antiparallel CoFeB layers magnetization alignment and the transition between two possible antiparallel magnetization states. Magnetic relaxation measurements show a complete reversal in the case of the transition between the two antiferromagnetic configurations. The experimental data can be well fitted in the frame of extended exponential relaxation using the Fatuzzo-Labrune model. Consequently, the domain nucleation and domain-wall propagation can be studied as a function of temperature and applied field.