GMR in multilayered nanowires electrodeposited in track-etched polyester and polycarbonate membranes

Commercially available track-etched polyester membranes were used as templates to electrodeposit Co–Ni–Cu/Cu multilayered nanowires, giving room-temperature current perpendicular to plane (CPP) giant magnetoresistance (GMR) values of up to ∼12%. In contrast to similar nanowires electrodeposited in track-etched polycarbonate membranes, the GMR obtained in multilayered nanowires electrodeposited in the polyester membranes increased with decreasing Cu-layer thickness tCu, for tCu in the 2–7 nm range, indicating a lack of ferromagnetic coupling through pinholes, etc. Transmission electron micrographs showed clear evidence for smooth, parallel layer interfaces in the nanowires.