Spin-polarized currents in superconducting films

Milos Bozovic; Zoran Radovic

doi:10.1117/12.452478

7 November 2002 Spin-polarized currents in superconducting films

Milos Bozovic, Zoran Radovic

Proceedings Volume 4811, Superconducting and Related Oxides: Physics and Nanoengineering V; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.452478
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2002, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

We present a microscopic theory of coherent quantum transport through a superconducting film between two ferromagnetic electrodes. The scattering problem is solved for the general case of ferromagnet/superconductor/ferromagnet (FSF) double-barrier junction, including the interface transparency from metallic to tunnel limit, and the Fermi velocity mismatch. Charge and spin conductance spectra of FSF junctions are calculated for parallel (P) and antiparallel (AP) alignment of the electrode magnetization. Limiting cases of nonmagnetic normal-metal electrodes (NSN) and of incoherent transport are also presented. We focus on two characteristic features of finite size and coherency: subgap tunneling of electrons, and oscillations of the differential conductance. Periodic vanishing of the Andreev reflection at the energies of geometrical resonances above the superconducting gap is a striking consequence of the quasiparticle interference. Also, the non-trivial spin-polarization of the current is found for FSF junctions in AP alignment. This is in contrast with the incoherent transport, where the unpolarized current is accompanied by excess spin accumulation and destruction of superconductivity. Application to spectroscopic measurements of the superconducting gap and the Fermi velocity is also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Milos Bozovic and Zoran Radovic "Spin-polarized currents in superconducting films", Proc. SPIE 4811, Superconducting and Related Oxides: Physics and Nanoengineering V, (7 November 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.452478

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available