Origin of the Giant Spin-Detection Efficiency in Tunnel-Barrier-Based Electrical Spin Detectors

Abstract

Efficient conversion of a spin signal into an electric voltage in mainstream semiconductors is one of the grand challenges of spintronics. This process is commonly achieved via a ferromagnetic tunnel barrier where non-linear electric transport occurs. In this work, we demonstrate that non-linearity may lead to a spin-to-charge conversion efficiency larger than 10 times the spin polarization of the tunnel barrier when the latter is under bias of a few mV. We identify the underlying mechanisms responsible for this remarkably efficient spin detection as the tunnel barrier deformation and the conduction band shift resulting from a change of applied voltage. In addition, we derive an approximate analytical expression for the detector spin sensitivity $P_{\textrm{det}}(V)$. Calculations performed for different barrier shapes show that this enhancement is present in oxide barriers as well as in Schottky tunnel barriers even if the dominant mechanisms differs with the barrier type. Moreover, although the spin signal is reduced at high temperatures, it remains superior to the value predicted by the linear model. Our findings shed light into the interpretation and understanding of electrical spin detection experiments and open new paths to optimize the performance of spin transport devices.