Density of states in SF bilayers with arbitrary strength of magnetic scattering

TL;DR

This paper presents a self-consistent method based on Usadel equations to calculate the density of states in SF bilayers, accounting for proximity effects and spin-dependent scattering, with applications to experimental data interpretation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel formalism that incorporates arbitrary magnetic scattering strengths in SF bilayers, enhancing understanding of their density of states behavior.

Findings

Different spin scattering mechanisms lead to distinct transformations of $N()$

The formalism successfully interprets experimental data on SF bilayers

Spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering rates significantly affect the density of states

Abstract

We developed the self-consistent method for the calculation of the density of states $N(\epsilon)$ in the SF bilayers. It based on the quasi-classical Usadel equations and takes into account the suppression of superconductivity in the S layer due to the proximity effect with the F metal, as well as existing mechanisms of the spin dependent electron scattering. We demonstrate that the increase of the spin orbit or spin flip electron scattering rates results in completely different transformations of $N(\epsilon)$ at the free F layer interface. The developed formalism has been applied for the interpretation of the available experimental data.