Spin-dependent electron grating effect from helical magnetization in multiferroic tunnel junctions

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how helical magnetization in multiferroic tunnel junctions causes a spin-dependent electron grating effect, controllable by magnetic parameters, with potential implications for spintronic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model demonstrating spin-dependent electron diffraction caused by helical magnetization in multiferroic heterojunctions, highlighting controllable parameters.

Findings

Spin-dependent electron diffraction occurs due to helical magnetization.

The grating effect is tunable via magnetic exchange strength and helicity period.

Predicted effects can be manipulated by ferromagnetic layer magnetization.

Abstract

In multiferroic oxides with a transverse helical magnetic order, the magnetization exchange coupling is sinusoidally space-dependent. We theoretically investigate the spin-dependent electron grating effect in normal-metal/helical-multiferroic/ferromagnettic heterojunctions. The spin wave vector of the spiral can be added or subtracted from the electron spacial wave vector inducing spin-conserved and spin-flipped diffracted transmission and reflection. The predicted grating effect can be controlled by magnetization exchange coupling strength, the helicity spatial period, and the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer.