Spin Torque and Waviness in Magnetic Multilayers: A Bridge between Valet-Fert Theory and Quantum Approaches

Valentin S. Rychkov, Simone Borlenghi, Henri Jaffres, Albert Fert, and Xavier Waintal
Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 066602 – Published 6 August 2009

Abstract

We develop a simple theoretical framework for transport in magnetic multilayers, based on the Landauer-Buttiker scattering formalism and random matrix theory. A simple transformation allows one to go from the scattering point of view to theories expressed in terms of local currents and the electromagnetic potential. In particular, our theory can be mapped onto the well-established classical Valet-Fert theory for collinear systems. For noncollinear systems, in the absence of spin-flip scattering, our theory can be mapped onto the generalized circuit theory. We apply our theory to the angular dependence of spin accumulation and spin torque in noncollinear spin valves.

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  • Received 25 February 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.066602

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Valentin S. Rychkov1, Simone Borlenghi1, Henri Jaffres2, Albert Fert2, and Xavier Waintal1

  • 1Nanoelectronics Group, Service de Physique de l’Etat Condensé, CEA Saclay F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
  • 2Unité Mixte de Physique CNRS-Thales, Route départementale 128, 91767 Palaiseau Cedex and Université Paris-Sud 91405, Orsay, France

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Vol. 103, Iss. 6 — 7 August 2009

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