Non-collinear Magnetoelectronics

TL;DR

This paper reviews the recent theoretical developments in non-collinear magnetoelectronics, focusing on electron charge and spin transport in hybrid ferromagnetic|normal metal structures with arbitrary magnetization directions, incorporating first-principles calculations.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive theory for non-collinear magnetoelectronic circuits based on vector spin accumulation, advancing understanding of spin-transfer phenomena.

Findings

Quantitative predictions of spin-transfer torque for various materials

Unified theory for charge and spin transport in non-collinear systems

Integration of first-principles scattering matrices with semiclassical models

Abstract

The electron transport properties of hybrid ferromagnetic|normal metal structures such as multilayers and spin valves depend on the relative orientation of the magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic elements. Whereas the contrast in the resistance for parallel and antiparallel magnetizations, the so-called Giant Magnetoresistance, is relatively well understood for quite some time, a coherent picture for non-collinear magnetoelectronic circuits and devices has evolved only recently. We review here such a theory for electron charge and spin transport with general magnetization directions that is based on the semiclassical concept of a vector spin accumulation. In conjunction with first-principles calculations of scattering matrices many phenomena, e.g. the current-induced spin-transfer torque, can be understood and predicted quantitatively for different material combinations.