Spin-current absorption by inhomogeneous spin-orbit coupling

TL;DR

This paper studies how inhomogeneous spin-orbit coupling in metals causes spin-current absorption at interfaces, especially when spin currents are driven by electric fields or spin accumulation, with implications for spintronic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for understanding spin-current absorption caused by spatial variations in spin-orbit coupling, relevant for experimental setups.

Findings

Spin-current absorption occurs at interfaces with inhomogeneous spin-orbit coupling.

Gradient of spin-orbit coupling strength influences diffusive spin currents.

The model applies to realistic experimental configurations.

Abstract

We investigate the spin-current absorption induced by an inhomogeneous spin-orbit coupling due to impurities in metals. We consider the system with spin currents driven by the electric field or the spin accumulation. The resulting diffusive spin currents, including the gradient of the spin-orbit coupling strength, indicate the spin-current absorption at the interface, which is exemplified with experimentally relevant setups.