Authors: Taddei, F.; Sanvito, S.; Lambert, C.J.

Source: Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, Volume 2, Number 1, March 2005 , pp. 132-137(6)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Abstract:

A critical analysis of point-contact Andreev reflection (PCAR) in ferromagnet/superconductor ballistic junctions is presented, based on tight-binding Hamiltonians with s, p and d orbitals and material-specific parameters. By accurately modeling the band structure of the bulk materials, we show that to reproduce the measured differential conductance of Cu/Pb and Co/Pb nanocontacts^{1, 2} one needs a detailed understanding of interface parameters which goes beyond simple averages of bulk matrix elements. As an example of how such a modification of surface parameters can affect spin-polarized transport, we explore the effect of an enhancement of the surface magnetization and show that this can significantly improve agreement with experiment. We also demonstrate that in general the spin polarization P of the junction may be different from the bulk polarization P of the magnetic metal used. For bulk Co we find P = -0.4, whereas for the Co/Pb interface P = +0.4 and for the Co/Ir interface P = -0.01.

Keywords: NANOJUNCTIONS; FERROMAGNETS; SUPERCONDUCTORS; ANDREEV REFLECTION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jctn.2005.011

Publication date: 2005-03-01

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• Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience is an international peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidates research activities in all aspects of computational and theoretical nanoscience into a single reference source. This journal offers scientists and engineers peer-reviewed research papers in all aspects of computational and theoretical nanoscience and nanotechnology in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering and biology to publish original full papers and timely state-of-the-art reviews and short communications encompassing the fundamental and applied research.
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