  Using resonant soft x-ray scattering as a function of both temperature and
magnetic field, we reveal a large number of almost degenerate magnetic orders
in SrCo6O11. The Ising-like spins in this frustrated material in fact exhibit a
so-called magnetic devil's staircase. It is demonstrated how a magnetic field
induces transitions between different microscopic spin configurations, which is
responsible for the magnetoresistance of SrCo6O11. This material therefore
constitutes a unique combination of a magnetic devil's staircase and spin valve
effects, yielding a novel type of magnetoresistance system.
