Spin Flip Torsion Balance

TL;DR

This paper introduces a torsion balance method utilizing spin flip effects in a metallic wire to measure conduction electron polarization, offering a novel approach to study ferromagnetic transport properties.

Contribution

It proposes a new torsion balance technique leveraging electron spin flips to directly measure conduction electron polarization in ferromagnets.

Findings

Demonstrates wire torsion due to electron spin flips

Suggests using resonant alternating current to enhance measurement

Potential to reveal new transport properties of narrow band electrons

Abstract

The spin flip of the conduction electrons at the interface of a ferromagnetic and a nonmagnetic part of a metallic wire, suspended between two electrodes, is shown to tort the wire when a current is driven through it. In order to enhance the effect it is suggested to use an alternating current in resonance with the torsional oscillations. Thereby the magnetic polarization of the conduction electrons in the ferromagnet can be measured directly, and compared to the total magnetization. This may yield new information on the transport properties of the narrow band electrons in itinerant ferromagnets.