We have observed distinct temperature-dependent magnetization reversal modes in a perpendicular (Co/Pd)4/Co/Cu/(Co/Ni)4/Co pseudo-spin-valve, which are correlated with spin-transport properties. At 300 K, magnetization reversal occurs by vertically correlated domains. Below 200 K the hysteresis loop becomes bifurcated due to laterally correlated reversal of the individual stacks. The magnetic configuration change also leads to higher spin disorders and a significant increase in the giant magnetoresistance effect. First order reversal curve measurements reveal that the coupled state can be re-established through field cycling, and allow direct determination of the interlayer coupling strength as a function of temperature.
@article{arxiv.1307.0853,
title = {Reversal mode instability and magnetoresistance in perpendicular (Co/Pd)/Cu/(Co/Ni) pseudo-spin-valves},
author = {J. E. Davies and D. A. Gilbert and S. M. Mohseni and R. K. Dumas and J. Åkerman and Kai Liu},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1307.0853},
year = {2013}
}