Spin transresistivity—a probe of the opposite-spin correlations in an electron system

We investigate the spin drag effect in spin polarized transport beyond the random phase approximation by considering an effective scattering potential that incorporates self-consistently the effects of the short range Coulomb interaction through momentum dependent local field corrections. We find that the first order many-body correction to the spin transresistivity is determined by the local field factor for opposite-spin correlations.     

Theory of spin transfer phenomena in magnetic metals and semiconductors

We propose a general theory of the spin-transfer effects that occur when current flows through inhomogeneous magnetic systems. Our theory does not rest on an appeal to conservation of total spin, can assess whether or not current-induced magnetization precession and switching in a particular geometry will occur coherently, and can estimate the efficacy of spin-transfer when spin-orbit interactions are present. We illustrate our theory by applying it to a toy-model twodimensional-electron-gas ferromagnet with Rashba spin-orbit interactions.     

Micromagnetic simulations of the magnetization dynamics in nanostructures with special applications to spin injection

We present several micromagnetic simulation examples of magnetization dynamics driven by the spin injection. First, we address the validity of the macrospin approximation often used to interpret experimental data. Next, we discuss the interpretation of experimental results obtained on columnar multilayer structures and show that a sophisticated micromagnetic model which takes into account a polycrystalline structure of a nanoelement can explain qualitatively the most important features of the magnetization oscillation spectra observed experimentally. A quantitative agreement with experimental results, however, could not be achieved in the region of reasonable parameter values. The third part of our contribution deals with simulations of the point-contact experiments. Here, we find an important qualitative disagreement between the experiment and simulations. The latter predict the existence of two current regions of a steady-state precession of the point-contact area (before and after spin-polarized current-driven magnetization switching), whereas experimentally only one such region is observed. In conclusion, we discuss some explanations of the above-mentioned discrepancies.     

Domain wall motion in ferromagnetic systems with perpendicular magnetization

Although we lack clear experimental evidence, apparently out-of-plane magnetized systems are better suited for spintronic applications than the in-plane magnetized ones, mainly due to the smaller current densities required for achieving domain wall motion. [Co/Pt] multilayers belong to the first category of materials, the out-of-plane magnetization orientation arising from the strong perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy. If the magnetization arranges itself out-of-plane narrow Bloch walls occur. In the present paper, both field and current-driven domain wall motion have been investigated for this system, using micromagnetic simulations. Three types of geometries have been taken into account: bulk, thin film and wire, and for all of them a full comparison is done between the effect of the applied field and injected current. The reduction of the system's dimension induces the decrease of the critical field and the critical current, but it does not influence the domain wall displacement mechanism.     

Evidence for the Griffiths phase in pure and Y-, Ca- and Cr-doped LaSr2Mn2O7 manganites

The paramagnetic susceptibility measured on La_1−xY_xSr_2−yCa_y Mn₂O₇ (x, y or z=0, 0.03 and 0.1) manganites does not obey the Curie-Weiss law. The Curie constant exceeds the expected values by more than order of magnitude. Based on strong disorder we have compared the experimental data with predictions based on Griffith's singularity model. We find that this model allows for consistent interpretation of the data in contrary to a model assumes that magnetic polarons make contribution akin to cluster to susceptibility. In particular the values of Curie constant agree excellently with those theoretically expected, whereas the magnetic polarons model is less satisfactory.     

Anatomy of field effects on magnetization dynamics and spin transfer noise

Spin transfer-related phenomena in nanomagnets have attracted extensive studies. In this paper we shall focus on analysis of individual and combined effects of the external, anisotropy, and demagnetization fields on magnetization dynamics and spin transfer noise. It is found that individual roles of the external, anisotropy, and demagnetization fields, as well as the combined roles of external plus anisotropy fields and anisotropy plus demagnetization fields, do not change the behavior of current induced magnetization switching. Such magnetization reversal procedures are of low noise. Our dynamics and power spectral density calculations show that it is the demagnetization field that plays a major role in inducing spin transfer noise: the demagnetization field itself or in combination with the anisotropy field will result in wave-like switching; moreover, the demagnetization field, together with the external field (not too small), will lead to precession and hence the system would be in noisy states. Our modeling work for an elliptical Py alloy is qualitatively consistent with Cornell's experiment and simulation [Science 307 (2005) 228].     

Ground-state phases and quantum phase transitions in a two-dimensional spin-1/2 XY model with four-spin interactions

We discuss the ground state phase transition between an antiferromagnet and a valence-bond solid in a two-dimensional spin-1/2 XY model with a four-spin interaction. This transition has been proposed as a candidate for a deconfined quantum-critical point. We analyze quantum Monte Carlo data in order to accurately characterize the transition. The central question that remains to be answered is whether the transition really is continuous, or whether it is actually weakly first-order. We present the current status of both ground state and finite-temperature calculations. Based on the results, we discuss possible scenarios for the transition, none of which is consistent with deconfined quantum-criticality. However, we argue that a deconfined quantum-critical point may be located nearby in an extended parameter space.We also discuss the staggered Ising phase obtaining in the limit of strong four-spin coupling.     

Ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic semiconductors and new materials for spintronics

Spintronics materials may be classified under concentrated magnetic semiconductors, semimetals and half-metals, semimagnetic semiconductors, and dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS). The nature of ferromagnetism, that occurs in p-type DMS with an increase in the transition metal content, is governed by the proposed kinematic exchange involving the kinetic energy gain of the heavy hole carriers caused by their hybridization with 3d electrons of impurities. The synthesis of DMS (In,Mn)Sb is proposed on the basis of hint at its T_C from kinematic mechanism. The effect of the dimensionality-driven T_C increase is derived for spintronics materials such as delta-doped DMS (DDMS) and DMS heterostructures. The state-of-the-art in the field of synthesis and research of “new” DMS with announced “high T_C” is also outlined with particular attention to chalcopyrite-based systems.     

Spatial distribution of magnetic field and persistent currents in Condon domain phase

The distributions of magnetic field above the surface of the sample due to existence of the diamagnetic domain structure are found. It is shown, that the constant magnetic induction splitting inside of a sample is caused by the magnetization current density, localised in the boundaries between adjacent domains, close to the sample surface. The properties of this current are studied. The influence of the domain wall thickness on the spatial distribution of magnetic field and magnetization current density is present. A possibility of detection of the changes in the magnetic field distribution in vacuum, close to the surface of the sample, by means of Hall probes, is discussed. The measurement of the spatial distribution of magnetic field can give lacking information about characteristic sizes of magnetic domain formation at the conditions of the strong de Haas van Alphen effect.     

Effect of sample shape on nonlinear magnetization dynamics under an external magnetic field

Effect of sample shape on the nonlinear collective dynamics of magnetic moments in the presence of oscillating and constant external magnetic fields is studied using the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) approach. The uniformly magnetized sample is considered to be an ellipsoidal axially symmetric particle described by demagnetization factors and uniaxial crystallographic anisotropy formed some angle with an applied field direction. It is investigated as to how the change in particle shape affects its nonlinear magnetization dynamics. To produce a regular study, all results are presented in the form of bifurcation diagrams for all sufficient dynamics regimes of the considered system. In this paper, we show that the sample's (particle's) shape and its orientation with respect to the external field (system configuration) determine the character of magnetization dynamics: deterministic behavior and appearance of chaotic states. A simple change in the system's configuration or in the shapes of its parts can transfer it from chaotic to periodic or even static regime and back. Moreover, the effect of magnetization precession stall and magnetic moments alignment parallel or antiparallel to the external oscillating field is revealed and the way of control of such “polarized” states is found. Our results suggest that varying the particle's shape and fields’ geometry may provide a useful way of magnetization dynamics control in complex magnetic systems.     

Magnetic field dependence of conductance and conduction noise of an artificial grain boundary junction in a La0.67Ba0.33MnO3 epitaxial thin film

A single artificial grain boundary in La_0.67Ba_0.33MnO₃ (LBMO) thin film has been prepared by depositing the film on a bicrystal substrate using laser ablation technique. We investigated the magnetic field dependence of magnetoresistance and conductance-voltage characteristics of the grain boundary at 77 K. A decrease of nonlinearity of current-voltage characteristics was observed upon application of magnetic field. The results are explained by assuming the presence of two different types of parallel conducting channels (metallic and highly resistive) across the grain boundary. The analysis of the results reveals that the application of magnetic field suppresses magnetic disorders at the grain boundary region and increases metallic conduction channels across the grain boundary. The temperature dependence of the conduction noise of the bicrystal grain boundary was measured at 0 and 1.5 kG magnetic field and compared with a microbridge on the LBMO film having no grain boundary. The presence of the grain boundary was found to enhance noise by one order of magnitude. The noise of a bicrystal grain boundary showed a decrease in the presence of 1.5 kG magnetic field for T<210 K. This decrease of noise confirms that the application of a magnetic field induces more metallic channels across the grain boundary.     

Magnetic field effects and renormalization of the long-range Coulomb interaction in carbon nanotubes

We develop two theoretical approaches for dealing with the low-energy effects of the repulsive interaction in one-dimensional electron systems. Renormalization Group methods allow us to study the low-energy behavior of the unscreened interaction between currents of well-defined chirality in a strictly one-dimensional electron system. A dimensional regularization approach is useful, when dealing with the low-energy effects of the long-range Coulomb interaction. This method allows us to avoid the infrared singularities arising from the long-range Coulomb interaction at D = 1. We can also compare these approaches with the Luttinger model, to analyze the effects of the short-range term in the interaction. Thanks to these methods, we are able to discuss the effects of a strong magnetic field B in quasi one-dimensional electron systems, by focusing our attention on Carbon Nanotubes. Our results imply a variation with B in the value of the critical exponent α for the tunneling density of states, which is in fair agreement with that observed in a recent transport experiment involving carbon nanotubes. The dimensional regularization allows us to predict the disappearance of the Luttinger liquid, when the magnetic field increases, with the formation of a chiral liquid with α = 0.     

Schottky-like anomaly in the low-temperature specific heat of single-crystal NdMnO3

The specific heat of single-crystal NdMnO₃ was investigated from 2 to 20 K under different magnetic fields up to 8 T. All the specific heat data show a Schottky-like anomaly, which becomes more indistinctive as increasing magnetic field. The experiment data were successfully fitted by taking into account factors such as crystal-field splitting, the two-level Schottky anomaly, the lattice vibration, and type-A antiferromagnetic (A-AF) spin waves. It was found that the splitting of the ground state doublet of Nd³⁺ ion increases linearly with magnetic field. The above phenomena can be interpreted in terms of the model of unchanged effective molecular field at Nd³⁺ site caused by the ferromagnetic component of A-AF structure of Mn spins. This ferromagnetic component is likely caused by the GdFeO₃-type octahedron rotation. In addition, it was also found that the magnetic field increases the spin-wave stiffness coefficient, but reduces the Debye temperature.     

Cubic helimagnets in magnetic field and at pressure

Cubic helimagnets with B20 structure display several unusual properties such as anisotropy of the spin-wave spectrum al small momenta q, rotation of the helix vector k in magnetic field and quantum phase transition at pressure. We demonstrate that first two phenomena are a result of umklapp processes mixing excitations with momenta q, q+k and q−k. At very low magnetic field perpendicular to k the helical structure remains stable due to spin-wave gap Δ. Its square is sum of two parts. The first one is a result of the magnon interaction and the second negative part stems from magneto-elastic interaction. It is suggested that competition between these parts leads to the quantum phase transition observed in MnSi and FeGe. For MnSi from rough estimations at ambient pressure was shown that both parts are comparable with the experimentally observed gap. The magneto-elastic interaction is also responsible for 2k modulation of the lattice and contributes to the magnetic anisotropy. Experimental observation by X-ray and neutron scattering of this lattice modulation allows to determine the strength of the magneto-elastic interaction responsible for above phenomena and the lattice helicity.     

The phase diagrams of a spin-1 transverse Ising model

The phase diagrams of the spin-1 transverse Ising model with the presence of a crystal field is investigated by using an effective-field theory (EFT). We give a method to calculate the Gibbs free energy numerically at finite temperature within the EFT. The first-order transition lines are obtained by comparing the Gibbs free energy. The phase diagrams and the Gibbs free energy are also compared with those given using the mean-field theory (MFT).     

Improving exchange-coupling field in the same thickness of pinned magnetic layer

A conventional Ta/NiFe/Cu/NiFe/FeMn spin valve was prepared to investigate the exchange bias properties with the variations of deposition field. By enhancing the deposition magnetic fields from 50 to 650 Oe, increase of exchange bias fields at a given thickness of the pinned NiFe layer has been found in the spin valves. In this paper, we show that this increase is due to the change of magnetic moment distribution at the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interface by comparison of measured results with the interfacial uncompensated model. Therefore, by enhancing deposition magnetic fields, a large exchange-coupling field can be achieved in relatively thicker magnetic films for application.     

Two-dimensional electron gas in a periodic magnetic field

We study the energy spectrum and electronic properties of a two-dimensional (2D) spinless electron gas in a periodic magnetic field which has the symmetry of a triangular lattice. We show that the energy bands depend strongly on the value of the magnetic field. For large field the low-energy electrons are localized on closed rings where the magnetic field vanishes. This results in the appearance of persistent currents around these rings. We also calculate the intrinsic Hall conductivity, which is quantized when the Fermi level is in a gap.     

Inter-particle spin-polarized tunneling in arrays of magnetite nanocrystals

Inter-particle spin-polarized tunneling was measured in an organically capped magnetite nanocrystal (NC) array deposited between 30 nm spaced gold electrodes. Magnetoresistance (MR) measurements performed around the blocking temperature (T_b) of the magnetic moments of the particles in the array, which was relatively high (220 K), yielded negative MR values of the order of 10-25% under moderate magnetic fields of several kOe. The field dependence of the MR followed closely the square of the film's magnetization and its voltage dependence indicated maximal spin polarization around the Fermi level. These findings suggested that the measured MR is the result of spin-polarized tunneling between individual magnetite NCs acting as superparamagnetic spin polarizers.     

Magnetic field dependence of the domain wall resistance in a quantum wire

For an ideal one-dimensional ferromagnetic wire with a magnetic domain wall (DW), contribution of the DW to the resistivity of the system has been investigated. We have studied the resistance due to the magnetic impurities in the domain wall which was suspended in a weak magnetic field for two types of chiralities. The analysis has been based on Boltzmann transport equation, within the relaxation time approximation. Through this formalism, both increasing and decreasing of the resistance due to the DW have been predicted in presence of Zeeman interaction as an extrinsic mechanism.     

Electrical conductivity and low field magnetoresistance in polycrystalline La1−xKxMnO3 pellets prepared by pyrophoric method

Electrical conductivity and magnetoresistance of a series of monovalent (K) doped La_1−xK_xMnO₃ polycrystalline pellets prepared by pyrophoric method have been reported. K doping increases the conductivity as well as the Curie temperature (T_C) of the system. Curie temperature increases from 260 to 309 K with increasing K content. Above the metal-insulator transition temperature (T>T_MI), the electrical resistivity is dominated by adiabatic polaronic model, while in the ferromagnetic region (50<T<T_MI), the resistivity is governed by several electron scattering processes. Based on a scenario that the doped manganites consist of phase separated ferromagnetic metallic and paramagnetic insulating regions, all the features of the temperature variation of the resistivity between ∼50 and 300 K are described very well by a single expression. All the K doped samples clearly display the existence of strongly field dependent resistivity minimum close to ∼30 K. Charge carrier tunneling between antiferromagnetically coupled grains explains fairly well the resistivity minimum in monovalent (K) doped lanthanum manganites. Field dependence of magnetoresistance at various temperatures below T_C is accounted fairly well by a phenomenological model based on spin polarized tunneling at the grain boundaries. The contributions from the intrinsic part arising from DE mechanism, as well as, the part originating from intergrannular spin polarized tunneling are also estimated.