Accumulation of spin-polarized states of charge carriers and a spintronic battery

TL;DR

This paper explores spin valves that suppress spin-flip processes for potential use as spintronic batteries, predicting effects like Coulomb interactions, spin polarization changes, and applications in memory and energy storage devices.

Contribution

It introduces a novel concept of spin valves functioning as batteries, analyzing their behavior and potential applications in spintronics and energy storage.

Findings

Potential for Coulomb interaction effects like the 'devil's staircase' in voltage control.

Predicted emergence and disappearance of spontaneous spin polarization.

Feasibility of using these spin valves in memory cells and supercapacitors.

Abstract

Spin valves based on materials in which the spin-flip is suppressed by the spatial separation of charge carriers, while maintaining electric neutrality in the valve volume, are considered. The possibility of using these valves as electric batteries is discussed. It is shown that if the potential difference across the valve is controlled, incommensurability effects such as the "devil's staircase" may be expected, which are associated with the Coulomb interaction and redistribution of electrons occurring while the battery is charged and discharged. The effects of the emergence and vanishing of spontaneous spin polarization of conduction electrons with a change in the Fermi level in the valve are predicted. Such spin valves can also be used in implementing spintronic memory cells, supercapacitors, and similar devices.