Spin-dependent diffraction at ferromagnetic/spin spiral interface

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel spin-diffraction phenomenon occurring at ferromagnetic/spin spiral interfaces, revealing its significant impact on local spin and electrical currents, especially in highly non-homogeneous magnetic configurations.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the existence of spin-diffraction and its critical role in spin transport at ferromagnetic/spin spiral interfaces, advancing understanding of spin-dependent phenomena.

Findings

Spin-diffraction causes local spin and electrical currents.

Spin-diffraction is crucial in non-adiabatic magnetic configurations.

Interference effects significantly influence spin transport.

Abstract

Spin-dependent transport is investigated in ballistic regime through the interface between a ferromagnet and a spin spiral. We show that spin-dependent interferences lead to a new type of diffraction called "spin-diffraction". It is shown that this spin-diffraction leads to local spin and electrical currents along the interface. This study also shows that in highly non homogeneous magnetic configuration (non adiabatic limit), the contribution of the diffracted electrons is crucial to describe spin transport in such structures.