Nonlocal Signal and Noise in T -Shaped Lateral Spin-Valve Structures

Abstract

In spintronics, lateral spin valves enable the manipulation of pure spin current without charge current. These systems are very interesting, particularly as magnetic field sensors for $e.g.$ read heads in hard disk drives. This paper uses a two-dimensional diffusive model to investigate signal and noise in such T-shaped devices. Three sources of noise are discussed, one of which is associated with possible thermal fluctuations in spin accumulation. Though their signal-to-noise ratio still needs to be improved to make these devices suitable for hard disk drives, this study offers important physical insight to guide that quest.