Long-range spin-triplet correlations and edge spin currents in diffusive spin-orbit coupled SNS hybrids with a single...

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Spintronics
• Superconductivity

Background:

• Investigating spin-orbit interactions in hybrid superconductor/normal-metal/superconductor (S/N/S) structures is crucial for advancing spintronic devices.
• Understanding the interplay between intrinsic spin-orbit interactions (ISOIs) and superconducting properties is key to controlling spin currents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate finite-sized 2D intrinsic spin-orbit coupled S/N/S hybrid structures with a single spin-active interface.
• To demonstrate the generation and control of pure edge spin currents independent of charge currents.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a SU(2) gauge symmetry technique within the quasiclassical diffusive regime.
• Considering ISOIs confined to the normal-metal (N) wire, absent in superconducting electrodes (S).
• Analyzing the effects of coupling ISOIs with the spin-active interface's spin moment.

Main Results:

• Maximum singlet-triplet conversion and spin current density accumulation at the N wire corners nearest the spin-active interface.
• Demonstrated generation of pure edge spin currents by modulating the superconducting phase difference, showing opposing parities for charge and spin currents.
• Observed robustness of these phenomena, being insensitive to interface spin moment orientation and external fields.

Conclusions:

• The coupling of ISOIs and interface spin moment in S/N/S structures enables efficient spin current generation and accumulation.
• Modulating superconducting phase difference offers a novel experimental pathway to observe pure edge spin currents.
• The discovered phenomena are robust and hold promise for experimental implementation in spintronic applications.