Magnetic gas sensors

摘要

In one embodiment, a magnetic gas sensor includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a gas-sensitive metallic interlayer positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, wherein at least one physical property of the metallic interlayer changes in the presence of a gas that is to be detected, wherein a magnetic coupling between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, and a magnetic state of the sensor, can change depending upon the state of the physical property of the metallic interlayer.

主权项

1. A magnetic gas sensor comprising:
an elongated first ferromagnetic layer having a long axis, a short axis, and a shape anisotropy that results in a magnetization direction aligned with the long axis; a second ferromagnetic layer; and a gas-sensitive metallic interlayer positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, wherein at least one physical property of the metallic interlayer changes in the presence of a gas that is to be detected; wherein a magnetic exchange coupling between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, and a magnetic state of the sensor, can change depending upon the state of the physical property of the metallic interlayer and wherein the shape anisotropy of the first ferromagnetic layer competes with the magnetic exchange coupling between the first and second ferromagnetic layers.