Sahakyan A.S., Movsesyan R.M., Kocharian A.N.
California State University Los Angeles, US
Keywords: magnetic noncolinearity, spin polarization, spin-dependent scattering, spintronics
The transfer-matrix approach is used to investigate the scattering of spin-polarized electron and neutron waves on the simple magnetized nanoelement structures which energetic profiles presents a finite potential magnetic barrier, in particular, of rectangular form. The existence of two preferred direction s for the polarization of the incident wave and the magnetic field of the magnetized barrier provide a new degree of freedom – the angle between them or degree of noncolinearity, which determines important spin-dependent transport properties of the electron scattering. We analyze exact expressions obtained for dependences of transmission and reflection coefficients, degrees of polarization and orientation of the polarization vectors of the scattered waves in the sub-barrier and above-barrier energy regions. It is shown that the variation of the noncollinear angle can lead to complete destruction of the polarization of the scattered waves, and a substantial re-orientation of the polarization vectors. Thus, it becomes possible to control electron spin-dependent transport properties and depolarization of the scattered waves which may be useful for fabrication of spintronic devices based on such magnetic barriers.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2013: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites (Volume 1)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 703 - 706
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0581-7