Strong wave-vector filtering and nearly 100% spin polarization through resonant tunneling antisymmetrical magnetic structure

Abstract

Strong spin- and wave-vector dependent upon electron resonant tunneling through antisymmetrical double-barrier magnetic structures are revealed. The electron transmission probability and the polarization of transmitted beams as a function of incident electron energy for different structures have been calculated. It is shown that the antisymmetric magnetic structure possesses the strongest spin polarization and well-pronounced wave-vector filtering properties. Surprisingly, a polarization of nearly 100% can be achieved by spin-dependent resonant tunneling in these structures, although the average magnetic field of the structures is zero.