Temporal evolution of spin accumulation in nonlocal spin valves

A temporal evolution of spin signals has been observed in nanoscale Co/Cu nonlocal spin valves. The spin diffusion length of Cu increases from ∼300 to ∼350 nm measured at 295 K over a 50-day period in the ambient environment after the fabrication of the devices. This is attributed to a gradual oxidation in the regions near the side surfaces of the Cu channel, where Co impurities are implanted during the fabrication. An increase of spin injection polarization is also found and attributed to the change of oxidation states at the interfaces.