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Longitudinal spin Seebeck effect free from the proximity Nernst effect.
T Kikkawa1, K Uchida, Y Shiomi
1Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|February 26, 2013
Summary
Researchers observed intrinsic longitudinal spin Seebeck effects (LSSEs) without extrinsic anomalous Nernst effects (ANE). This finding was confirmed in gold/yttrium iron garnet (YIG) and platinum/copper/YIG systems, advancing spintronic research.
Area of Science:
- Spintronics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- The longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (LSSE) is a thermoelectric phenomenon in magnetic materials.
- Distinguishing LSSE from the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) is crucial for understanding spin-charge conversion mechanisms.
- Extrinsic proximity effects can complicate the interpretation of LSSE measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence for intrinsic LSSEs.
- To demonstrate LSSEs independent of ANE caused by proximity effects.
- To separate LSSE and ANE contributions in conventional structures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Au/Y(3)Fe(5)O(12) (YIG) and Pt/Cu/YIG heterostructures.
- Measurement of thermoelectric voltages under varying temperature gradients and magnetization configurations.
- Systematic removal of extrinsic ANE mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Observation of LSSEs in Au/YIG and Pt/Cu/YIG systems, confirming intrinsic effects.
- Demonstration that LSSE persists even when proximity-induced ANE mechanisms are eliminated.
- Quantification of ANE contamination in Pt/YIG structures, showing it to be negligibly small.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic LSSEs can be reliably observed and measured.
- The study successfully disentangled LSSE from ANE, clarifying their distinct contributions.
- This work provides a foundation for precise studies of spin-thermoelectric conversion in magnetic materials.
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