Quantum-kinetic theory of spin-transfer torque and magnon-assisted transport in nanostructures

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, starting from a simple model for spin-dependent transport in the presence of spin fluctuations. Our model captures two distinct features arising from these fluctuations: magnon-assisted transport and spin-transfer torque alteration of the magnetoconductance. We show that as the temperature is lowered, the latter effect arises from quantum rather than thermal spin fluctuations and that this quantum spin-transfer torque is readily distinguishable from magnon-assisted transport.