Specular Electron Scattering in Metallic Thin Films

Published

May 1, 1999

Author(s)

William F. Egelhoff Jr., P J. Chen, Cedric J. Powell, D Parks, F Serpa, Robert McMichael, D Martien, A. E. Berkowitz

Abstract

Specular electron scattering at the surface of metallic thin films is an important phenomenon for a class of magnetic multilayers known as giant magnetoresistance (GMR) spin valves. In the very best GMR spin valves, a significant part of the GMR effect is attributable to specular electron scattering. We have investigated the importance of specular electron scattering by developing surface-modification techniques that produce diffuse electron scattering. We have used these techniques to investigate specular electron scattering in GMR spin valves and in pure metals. Some of the largest effects are found in Au films. It is noted that specular electron scattering will be a highly desirable property in future generations of microelectronic interconnects as the feature size approaches the mean-free-path of the conduction electrons. In order to meet the Semiconductor Industry Association Roadmap requirements for interconnect interconnect resistivity, interconnects with highly specular surfaces must be developed.

Citation

Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B

Volume

17

Issue

No. 4

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

giant magnetoresistance (GMR) spin valve, metallic thin films, resistivity, specular electron scattering

Citation

Egelhoff Jr., W. , Chen, P. , Powell, C. , Parks, D. , Serpa, F. , McMichael, R. , Martien, D. and Berkowitz, A. (1999), Specular Electron Scattering in Metallic Thin Films, Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B (Accessed April 24, 2024)