Thermal spin-transfer torque in magnetoelectronic devices

We predict that the magnetization direction of a ferromagnet can be reversed by the spin-transfer torque accompanying spin-polarized thermoelectric heat currents. We illustrate the concept by applying a finite-element theory of thermoelectric transport in disordered magnetoelectronic circuits and de...

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Veröffentlicht in:Physical review letters 2007-08, Vol.99 (6), p.066603-066603, Article 066603
Hauptverfasser: Hatami, Moosa, Bauer, Gerrit E W, Zhang, Qinfang, Kelly, Paul J
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:We predict that the magnetization direction of a ferromagnet can be reversed by the spin-transfer torque accompanying spin-polarized thermoelectric heat currents. We illustrate the concept by applying a finite-element theory of thermoelectric transport in disordered magnetoelectronic circuits and devices to metallic spin valves. When thermalization is not complete, a spin heat accumulation vector is found in the normal-metal spacer, i.e., a directional imbalance in the temperature of majority and minority spins.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.99.066603