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Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Magnetometers

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High Sensitivity Magnetometers

Part of the book series: Smart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation ((SSMI,volume 19))

Abstract

Since its discovering in 1988, the Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) effect has been widely studied both from the theoretical and the applications points of view. Its rapid development was initially promoted by their extensive use in the read heads of the massive data magnetic storage systems, in the digital world. Since then, novel proposals as basic solid state magnetic sensors have been continuously appearing. Due to their high sensitivity, small size and compatibility with standard CMOS technologies, they have become the preferred choice in scenarios traditionally occupied by Hall sensors. In this chapter, we analyze the main properties of GMR sensors regarding their use as magnetometers. We will deal about the physical basis, the fabrication processes and the parameters constraining their response. We will also mention about some significant application, including developments at the system level.

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Acknowledgments

At the personal level, we should give thanks to E. Figueras, J. Madrenas and A. Yúfera for their kindness regarding standard IC’s. Also thanks to A. Roldán and J. B. Roldán for their help in developing electrical models. The authors are permanently grateful for the very fruitful collaborations with the INESC-MN. Part of the work has been carried out under projects: HP2003/0123 (Ministry of Science and Technology, Spain), GV05/150 (Valencian Regional Government), ENE2008-06588-C04-04 (Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain and European Regional Development Fund), UV-INV-AE11-40892 (Universitat de València) and NGG-229 (2010).

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  1. University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Candid Reig & María-Dolores Cubells-Beltrán

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  1. Candid Reig
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  2. María-Dolores Cubells-Beltrán
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Correspondence to Candid Reig .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva, Israel

    Asaf Grosz

  2. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA

    Michael J. Haji-Sheikh

  3. Massey University (Manawatu), Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Subhas C. Mukhopadhyay

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Reig, C., Cubells-Beltrán, MD. (2017). Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Magnetometers. In: Grosz, A., Haji-Sheikh, M., Mukhopadhyay, S. (eds) High Sensitivity Magnetometers. Smart Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-34070-8_8

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