Large GMR values of sputtered Co/Cu multilayer structures with Co-Cu buffer layers

We demonstrate large giant magnetoresistance (GMR) values of Co/Cu multilayers (MLs) sputtered on combined Co18{angstrom}/Cu48{angstrom} buffer layer. GMR values at room temperature reach 62% at the first antiferromagnetically (AF) coupling peak and 33% at the 2nd AF coupled peak, which are very close to those found in Co/Cu MLs sputtered on a Fe buffer layer. The large GMR effect is attributed to the superior superlattice structure of these samples, as evidenced by the x-ray reflectivity data as well as the TEM micrographs. In particular, the role of thin Co initial layer deposited beneath the Cu buffer layer on improved ML structure has been clarified from cross-sectional micrographs of high-resolution TEM.