Physics – Condensed Matter – Materials Science
Scientific paper
2008-10-12
Physics
Condensed Matter
Materials Science
8 pages
Scientific paper
The field of spin electronics (spintronics) was initiated by the discovery of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) for which Fert[1] and Grunberg[2] were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize for Physics. GMR arises from differential scattering of the majority and minority spin electrons by a ferromagnet (FM) so that the resistance when the FM layers separated by non-magnetic (NM) spacers are aligned by an applied field is different to when they are antiparallel. In 1996 Slonczewski[3] and Berger[4] predicted that a large spin-polarised current could transfer spin-angular momentum and so exert a spin transfer torque (STT) sufficient to switch thin FM layers between stable magnetisation states[5] and, for even higher current densities, drive continuous precession which emits microwaves[6]. Thus, while GMR is a purely passive phenomenon which ultimately depends on the intrinsic band structure of the FM, STT adds an active element to spintronics by which the direction of the magnetisation may be manipulated. Here we show that highly non-equilibrium spin injection can modify the scattering asymmetry and, by extension, the intrinsic magnetism of a FM. This phenomenon is completely different to STT and provides a third ingredient which should further expand the range of opportunities for the application of spintronics.
Ali Majhar
Aziz Abdulazim
Blamire Mark G.
Edwards D. M.
Hickey Benjamin J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Non-equilibrium magnetism in dual spin valves does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Non-equilibrium magnetism in dual spin valves, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-equilibrium magnetism in dual spin valves will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-200336