Two-dimensional analysis of magnetoimpedance in magnetic/metallic multilayers

This article concerns the effect of the in-plane film size on the magnetoimpedance (MI) characteristics in magnetic/metallic multilayers. The problem is approached by a two-dimensional solution of the Maxwell equations in a symmetrical three-layer film. If the edge effect is neglected, the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the film is confined within the outer magnetic layers. In a finite width sandwich, the flux leaks through the inner conductor. This process eventually results in a considerable drop in MI ratio if this width is smaller than the critical flux decay length depending on the effective transverse permeability, layer thickness, and frequency. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.