Spatially modulated tunnel magnetoresistance on the nanoscale.
Phys Rev Lett
; 107(18): 187201, 2011 Oct 28.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22107667
ABSTRACT
We investigate the local tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effect within a single Co nanoisland using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. We observe a clear spatial modulation of the TMR ratio with an amplitude of ~20% and a spacing of ~1.3 nm between maxima and minima around the Fermi level. This result can be ascribed to a spatially modulated spin polarization within the Co island due to spin-dependent quantum interference. Our combined experimental and theoretical study reveals that spin-dependent electron confinement affects all transport properties such as differential conductance, conductance, and TMR. We demonstrate that the TMR within a nanostructured magnetic tunnel junction can be controlled on a length scale of 1 nm through spin-dependent quantum interference.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Phys Rev Lett
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania