Quantum-kinetic theory of spin-transfer torque and magnon-assisted transport in nanoscale magnetic junctions

Scott A. Bender, Rembert A. Duine, Yaroslav Tserkovnyak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the role of spin fluctuations in charge transport through a magnetic junction. Motivated by recent experiments that measure a nonlinear dependence of the current on electrical bias, we develop a systematic understanding of the interplay of charge and spin dynamics in nanoscale magnetic junctions. Our model captures two distinct features arising from these fluctuations: magnon-assisted transport and the effect of spin-transfer torque on the magnetoconductance. The latter stems from magnetic misalignment in the junction induced by spin-current fluctuations. As the temperature is lowered, inelastic quantum scattering takes over thermal fluctuations, exhibiting signatures that make it readily distinguishable from magnon-assisted transport.

Original languageEnglish
Article number024434
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume99
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jan 2019

Funding

S.A.B. and R.A.D. are supported by funding from the Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie (FOM) and the European Research Council via Consolidator Grant No. 725509 “SPINBEYOND.” Y.T. is supported by NSF under Grant No. DMR-1742928.

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