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Coulomb promotion of spin-dependent tunneling
L Y Gorelik1, S I Kulinich, R I Shekhter
1Department of Applied Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
Physical Review Letters
|October 4, 2005
Summary
We found that Coulomb interactions can surprisingly increase electron flow in magnetic single-electron transistors (SETs). This occurs due to spin-flip dynamics, promoting spin-dependent tunneling.
Area of Science:
- Quantum transport phenomena
- Spintronics
- Mesoscopic physics
Background:
- Single-electron transistors (SETs) are crucial for quantum electronics.
- Understanding electron transport in magnetic nanostructures is key for spintronics.
- Coulomb interactions typically suppress current in nanoscale devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate spin-polarized electron transport through a magnetic SET.
- Analyze the role of Coulomb interactions and spin-flip dynamics.
- Identify conditions for Coulomb correlations to promote current.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical study of electron transport in a magnetic SET.
- Modeling of a nanometer-sized central island with a single-electron level.
- Analysis of the interplay between spin dynamics and Coulomb blockade.
Main Results:
- Coulomb correlations can promote, rather than suppress, current in magnetic SETs.
- This phenomenon, termed Coulomb promotion of spin-dependent tunneling, is observed.
- Criteria for this novel effect were determined.
Conclusions:
- Coulomb interactions can have a counterintuitive promoting effect on current in magnetic SETs.
- Spin-flip dynamics are essential for observing Coulomb promotion.
- The findings offer new insights into controlling electron transport in spintronic devices.