Clusters of Spin Valve Sensors in 3D Magnetic Field of a Label

Abstract

Magnetic field sensors based on the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect have a number of practical current and future applications. We report on a modeling of the magnetoresistive response of moving spin-valve (SV) GMR sensors combined in certain cluster networks to an inhomogeneous magnetic field of a label. We predicted a large variety of sensor responses dependent on the number of sensors in the cluster, their types of interconnections, the orientation of the cluster, and the trajectory of sensor motion relative to the label. The model included a specific shape of the label, producing an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The results can be used for the optimal design of positioning devices.

Keywords

• spin-valve sensor
• magnetic label
• inhomogeneous magnetic field
• Stoner-Wohlfarth model
• giant magnetoresistance
• Wheatstone bridge