A spin valve is a type of device that exploits the phenomenon of spin-dependent electrical resistance, which is related to the spin of electrons. It consists generally of two ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic metal or semiconductor layer. The key principle behind a spin valve is that the electrical resistance of the device changes depending on the relative magnetization orientations of the two ferromagnetic layers.
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Basic component in spintronics, used in both giant magnetoresistance