Thermal annealing effects on low-frequency noise and transfer behavior in magnetic tunnel junction sensors

We have investigated the low-frequency noise and transfer curve behavior in NiFe/AlOx/NiFe magnetic tunnel junction sensors as a function of the annealing temperature. The magnetoresistance reaches a maximum of 35% with a maximal field sensitivity of 5%/Oe at an optimal annealing temperature of 170 degreesC. The origin of 1/f noise is explored by measuring the magnetic field dependence of noise at low frequencies. Our data indicate that samples annealed near this temperature exhibit 1/f noise that originates from magnetization fluctuations, whereas electronic noise due to charge trapping is dominant for other temperatures. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.