Galvanomagnetic sensors: The state-of-the-art and development trends

This review outlines the physical phenomena and principles underlying magnetic sensors for measuring electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and other physical entities employing various galvanomagnetic effects observed in semiconductors and other conductors. The main attention is paid to the state-of-the-art of galvanomagnetic sensors, their development trends and prospects, and practical application of these sensors, including those based on new materials, technologies, circuit design, and physical effects. Detailed attention is focused on semiconductor magnetosensitive integrated circuits, in which sensitive elements and their electronic circuitry often implement certain intellectual functions and are manufactured by a common technological process. Among the new physical effects which are promising for future development and application of galvanomagnetic sensors, special attention is centered on the giant magnetoresistance in thin magnetic films and the spin-valve effect.