Non conservation of the magnetization current across magnetic hetero-structures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that magnetization current is not conserved across magnetic heterostructures with non-collinear magnetizations, challenging traditional assumptions and highlighting the need for modified theoretical treatment.

Contribution

It reveals the non-conservation of magnetization current in non-collinear magnetic junctions and discusses the implications of external torque assumptions.

Findings

Magnetization current is not conserved across non-collinear magnetic junctions.

Traditional models assume external torque, which is shown to be implicit and problematic.

Physical consequences of non-conservation are explored.

Abstract

We show that when the magnetizations on opposite sides of a junction are not collinear, the magnetization current is not conserved as the junction is crossed. Thus the usual treatment of this problem needs to be modified. We argue that this is due to an implicit assumption of an external torque that is required to clamp the magnetization in place. The physical consequence of this is explored.