Executive Summary : | Spintronics is a rapidly growing field that uses electrons' spin and charge degrees of freedom. Antiferromagnet-based (AFM) spintronic devices are increasingly being explored due to their superior magnetic field stability and fast dynamics, making them competitive for data storage applications. However, AFM moments are difficult to probe or manipulate by conventional methods. One solution is to measure the exchange bias (EB) of AFM/FM bilayers through the exchange coupling. Previous studies have relied on the FM layer's weak anisotropic magnetoresistance (~1%) property for measuring EB electrically, which has poor signal-to-noise ratio and is unsuitable for practical applications. The proposed device consists of an AFM (IrMn) exchange-coupled with a spin-valve (Co/Cu/Co), which can significantly improve the detection of EB. The spin-valve serves as a transducer cum amplifier, converting the EB into a GMR signal, enabling measurements of EB angles in a range of 0 to 180 degrees with improved signal-to-noise ratio. The current-induced mechanism known as spin-orbit torque can be used to alter the IrMn moment configuration, allowing for energy-efficient manipulation of EB. This method requires high temperature and magnetic field, but the current-dependent GMR effect can give rise to memristor-like characteristics. The proposed AFM-based device could find commercial applications like data storage or magnetic sensors. The project aims to integrate various magnetic phenomena like exchange bias, spin-orbit torque, and GMR into one device, and the study aims to uncover novel physics of interfaces and interaction of spin current with different magnetic materials. |