Polymeric spin-valves at room temperature

The organic semiconductor–magnetic electrode interfaces in organic spin-valves are very important for the performance of the device. Here the interfaces between the polymer regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RR-P3HT) and the magnetic electrodes Fe50Co50 and Ni81Fe19 in organic spin-valves were investigated. Extra interlayers were placed at the organic–magnetic interface, which included adding self-assembly molecules between the bottom electrode and the polymer, and 1 nm thick Au and Al2O3 insulating layers between the polymer and the top electrode. The magnetoresistance of the spin-valves was measured to determine how the variations in layers affected magnetotransport.