Magnetic Properties of Phase-Separated

Ni Fe Mn alloy thin films were produced by codepositing Ni Fe and Mn and annealed at 300 C-600 C. In spite of the structural stability predicted by the bulk phase diagram and the interdiffusion evidences observed in the magnetic exchange couples, the Ni Fe Mn alloy films decomposed into Ni Fe and Mn phases when annealed above 400 C. The phase separated structure closely resembles those of magnetic granular alloys with a strong crystallographic texture. The phase-separated alloys exhibit an inverse giant magnetoresistance as high as 0.5%.