Abstract
A quantum-statistical theory of electron tunneling in magnetic junctions of the form where F and P are, respectively, a magnetic and a paramagnetic metal is presented. The effect of scattering at the interface is discussed. The relatively slow decay of tunnel magnetoresistance experimentally observed when P is Cu as a function of the Cu layer thickness is explained by considering the particular shape of the Fermi surface in the (111) direction. For other metals, our model predicts a much more rapid decay, in agreement with experimental observations.
- Received 8 April 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.61.1366
©2000 American Physical Society