Stretchable spin valves on elastomer membranes by predetermined periodic fracture and random wrinkling

The first highly stretchable and sensitive spin valve sensor on elastomeric membranes are demonstrated. The sensor elements exhibit stable GMR behavior up to tensile strains of 29% in in situ stretching experiments and show no fatigue over 500 loading cycles. This remarkable stretchability is achieved by a predetermined periodic fracture mechanism that creates a meander-like pattern upon stretching. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim