A numerical method to solve the Boltzmann equation for a spin valve

J. Xiao, A. Zangwill and M. D. Stiles ()

The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, 2007, vol. 59, issue 4, 415-427

Abstract: We present a numerical algorithm to solve the Boltzmann equation for the electron distribution function in magnetic multilayer heterostructures with non-collinear magnetizations. The solution is based on a scattering matrix formalism for layers that are translationally invariant in plane so that properties only vary perpendicular to the planes. Physical quantities like spin density, spin current, and spin-transfer torque are calculated directly from the distribution function. We illustrate our solution method with a systematic study of the spin-transfer torque in a spin valve as a function of its geometry. The results agree with a hybrid circuit theory developed by Slonczewski for geometries typical of those measured experimentally. Copyright EDP Sciences/Società Italiana di Fisica/Springer-Verlag 2007

Keywords: 85.75.-d Magnetoelectronics; spintronics: devices exploiting spin polarized transport or integrated magnetic fields, 75.47.De Giant magnetoresistance, (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2007-00004-0

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