Band-structure calculations of specular reflection in spin valves

Abstract

Band structure calculations are carried out on three types of spin-valve structures: (1) simple spin valves, (2) dual spin valves, and (3) spin valves with a synthetic antiferromagnet. The effect of specular reflection is studied by comparing the transport properties of spin valves with resistive metallic and insulating layers at the outer boundaries. In the spin valve with a synthetic antiferromagnet, an insulating layer needs to be inserted inside the reference layer to achieve similar enhancement to the giant magnetoresistance as the other two types of spin valves with insulating outer boundaries. Results are analyzed in terms of s–d scattering in the different spin channels with different boundary conditions.