Temperature dependent resistance of magnetic tunnel junctions as a quality proof of the barrier

Tunnel junctions of Co(10 nm)/AlOx (nominally 2 nm)/Co(20 nm) have been prepared by molecular beam epitaxy applying a shadow mask technique in conjunction with an UV light-assisted oxidation process of the AlOx barrier. The quality of the AlOx barrier has been proven by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature dependent tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) measurements. Optimum-oxidized tunnel junctions show a TMR of 20% at 285 K and up to 36% at 100 K. At 285 K the TMR values as a function of oxidation time are not symmetric about the optimum time. For underoxidized junctions the TMR is reduced more strongly than for overoxidized junctions. The temperature dependence of the junction s resistance is a clear and reliable indicator whether pinholes (or imperfections)contribute to the conduction across the barrier