Direct determination of the spin-polarization at buried interfaces using voltage dependent MOKE signals

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to directly measure spin-polarization at buried interfaces using voltage-dependent MOKE signals, enabling spatially resolved detection in ambient conditions.

Contribution

The study presents a straightforward technique for detecting spin-polarization at buried interfaces with spatial resolution, including a quantitative model for voltage-induced MOKE changes.

Findings

Fe and Co show positive majority spin polarization

Ni exhibits negative minority spin polarization

Method works in ambient conditions

Abstract

Here, we report a novel and conceptually straightforward technique to detect the spin-polarization directly, with laser spot spatial resolution, at buried ferromagnet/insulator interfaces in ambient settings. This has been accomplished by monitoring the voltage-induced change of the longitudinal MOKE signal as a function of the applied magnetic field and applying an AC voltage across the interface. For the case where the spin polarization enters the VMOKE signal, a simple quantitative model is proposed. A distinct positive majority spin polarization has been found for Fe and Co, whereas Ni exhibits a negative minority spin polarization.