Spintronic Spin Accumulation and Thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper explores how spin accumulation affects thermodynamic properties in spin-polarized systems, discussing measurement methods and microscopic physics across various materials.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of spin-subsystem chemical potentials and their dependence on accumulated spin densities in different systems.

Findings

Identification of key measurement approaches for spin chemical potentials

Analysis of microscopic physics influencing spin accumulation

Insights into thermodynamic behavior of spin-polarized systems

Abstract

The spin degree of freedom can play an essential role in determining the electrical transport properties of spin-polarized electron systems in metals or semiconductors. In this article, I address the dependence of spin-subsystem chemical potentials on accumulated spin-densities. I discuss both approaches which can be used to measure this fundamental thermodynamic quantity and the microscopic physics which determines its value in several different systems.