Using domain walls to perform non-local measurements with high spin signal amplitudes

Abstract

Standard non-local measurements require lateral spin-valves with two different ferromagnetic electrodes, to create and to detect the spin accumulation. Here we show that non-local measurements can also be performed in a cross-shaped nanostructure, made of a single ferromagnetic wire connected to an orthogonal non-magnetic wire. A magnetic domain wall located underneath the ferromagnetic/non-magnetic interface is used to control the magnetizations of the injection and detection zones. As these zones can be very close, our results display spin signals possessing amplitudes larger than those obtained in conventional non-local measurements. We also show that this method can be used as a domain wall detection technique.