Low-field galvanomagnetic properties of nickel

Abstract

Measurements of the Hall effect, transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance have been made for Ni in the range 4.2–300 K in applied fields up to 6T. The aim is to improve the understanding of spin-orbit coupling, particularly the side-jump and skew components of the Hall effect. The results are described by a two-band model corresponding to s↑ and s↓ itinerant electrons. Below ∼20 K, where s-d scattering is precluded, the s↑ and s↓ electrons have unequal relaxation times due to the magnetisation. The transverse magnetoresistance is large. There is no skew scattering. Increasing temperature in the range 20–100 K equalises the s↑ and s↓ lifetimes; the transverse magnetoresistance goes to zero. The Hall effect indicates a field-dependent relaxation time for s↑, s↓ electrons. Only at the highest temperatures (≳∼150 K) does a side-jump component appear.