Bottom-pinned ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{83}}{\mathrm{Ir}}_{17}$ spin valves with enhanced specular scattering were fabricated, showing magnetoresistance (MR) values up to 13.6%, lower sheet resistance $R_{\square }$ and higher ${\mathrm{\Delta R}}_{\square }.$ Two nano-oxide layers (NOL) are grown on both sides of the CoFe/Cu/CoFe spin valve structure by natural oxidation or remote plasma oxidation of the starting CoFe layer. Maximum MR enhancement is obtained after just 1 min plasma oxidation. Rutherford backscattering analysis shows that a 15±2 Å oxide layer grows at the expense of the initial (prior to oxidation) CoFe layer, with ∼12% reduction of the initial 40 Å CoFe thickness. X-ray reflectometry indicates that Kiessig fringes become better defined after NOL growth, indicating smoother inner interfaces, in agreement with the observed decrease of the spin valve ferromagnetic Néel coupling.

Aqueous and dry magnetoliposomes containing NiFe₂O₄nanoparticles were prepared using a new method and fusion with model membranes was demonstrated.