Spin-dependent transport in molecular tunnel junctions

TL;DR

This paper reports on spin-dependent electron transport in molecular tunnel junctions, demonstrating that molecular barriers can preserve spin coherence, with implications for spintronic device design.

Contribution

It introduces measurements of magnetic tunnel junctions with self-assembled monolayer barriers, showing spin coherence preservation through molecular layers.

Findings

Resistance varies with magnetic moment angle

Spin coherence maintained across molecular barriers

Localized states can degrade spin signals

Abstract

We present measurements of magnetic tunnel junctions made using a self-assembled-monolayer molecular barrier. Ni/octanethiol/Ni samples were fabricated in a nanopore geometry. The devices exhibit significant changes in resistance as the angle between the magnetic moments in the two electrodes is varied, demonstrating that low-energy electrons can traverse the molecular barrier while maintaining spin coherence. An analysis of the voltage and temperature dependence of the data suggests that the spin-coherent transport signals can be degraded by localized states in the molecular barriers.