Large spin accumulation near a resistive interface due to spin-charge coupling

Abstract

We experimentally and theoretically investigate large spin signals in special nonlocal spin valves, where a vacuum break-junction is formed between the ferromagnetic spin detector and the nonmagnetic channel. The spin signals are clearly nonlocal and can be either non-inverted (meaning high nonlocal resistance for parallel states and low resistance for antiparallel states) or inverted. The magnitudes are significantly larger than those of standard metallic nonlocal devices with similar dimensions. The magnitudes and the signs can be understood by a theory of spin-charge coupling. The coupling between spin accumulation and charge accumulation across a resistive break junction leads to a large interfacial spin accumulation and thereby large spin signals. By analyzing the profiles of electrochemical potentials near the interface, we show that the sign of the spin signal depends on the values of spin-dependent conductivities, diffusion constants, and densities of states. The magnitude of the spin accumulation in the ferromagnetic spin detector can be higher than that in the nonmagnetic channel, enabling a rare amplification effect for spin accumulation.