A CPP-GMR spin valve having a pinned layer with an AP2/coupling/AP1
configuration is disclosed wherein the AP2 portion is a FCC-like trilayer
having a composition represented by
Co.sub.ZFe.sub.(100-Z)/Fe.sub.(100-X)Ta.sub.X/Co.sub.ZFe.sub.(100-Z) or
Co.sub.ZFe.sub.(100-Z)/Fe.sub.YCo.sub.(100-Y)/Co.sub.ZFe.sub.(100-Z)
where x is 3 to 30 atomic %, y is 40 to 100 atomic %, and z is 75 to 100
atomic %. Preferably, z is 90 to provide a face centered cubic structure
that minimizes electromigration. Optionally, the middle layer is
comprised of an Fe rich alloy such as FeCr, FeV, FeW, FeZr, FeNb, FeHf,
or FeMo. EM performance is improved significantly compared to a spin
valve with a conventional AP2 Co.sub.50Fe.sub.5 or Co.sub.75Fe.sub.25
single layer. The MR ratio of the spin valve is also increased and the RA
is maintained at an acceptable level. The coupling layer is preferably Ru
and the AP1 layer may be comprised of a lamination of CoFe and Cu layers
as in [CoFe/Cu].sub.2/CoFe.