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Surface spin flip probability of mesoscopic Ag wires
G Mihajlović1, J E Pearson, S D Bader
1Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA. goran.mihajlovic@hitachigst.com
Spin relaxation in silver (Ag) wires was studied using nonlocal spin valve and Hanle effect measurements. Surface scattering significantly influences spin relaxation, especially at low temperatures, impacting electron spin dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Spintronics
Background:
- Understanding spin relaxation in mesoscopic conductors is crucial for spintronic device development.
- The diffusive transport regime in metallic nanowires presents unique challenges for spin manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spin relaxation mechanisms in mesoscopic silver wires.
- To determine the temperature dependence of spin relaxation times.
- To quantify the contribution of different scattering mechanisms to spin relaxation.
Main Methods:
- Nonlocal spin valve measurements
- Hanle effect measurements
- Fabrication of Permalloy/Ag lateral spin valves
Main Results:
- The ratio of momentum to spin relaxation times is temperature-dependent at low temperatures.
- The Elliott-Yafet spin relaxation mechanism explains the observed temperature dependence.
- Surface scattering exhibits the highest spin flip probability.
Conclusions:
- Electron spin relaxation in silver nanowires is strongly influenced by surface scattering.
- A temperature-dependent momentum surface relaxation time is key to understanding spin dynamics.
- The developed model allows for the separation of spin flip probabilities from various scattering sources.
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