Towards compact three-dimensional magnetoelectronics-Magnetoresistance in rolled-up Co/Cu nanomembranes

Strain engineering combined with standard top-down techniques is shown to be eligible to fabricate compact three dimensional architectures based on rolled-up Co/Cu nanomembranes. The fabrication process is fully integrative and provides rolled-up tubes of high quality and yield (similar to 95%). Rolled-up tubes with two windings show magnetoresistances (MR) similar to 20% higher than those observed in thin films. The enhancement of magnetoresistance is most likely due to the coupling between neighboring windings, variations of the Cu layer thickness, and increased effective area crossed by current lines in the film plane. Present results inhere new potential for magnetic sensing and electronic components. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3676269]