Generalized Spin Drift-Diffusion Formalism in the Presence of Spin-Orbit Interaction of Ferromagnets

Kyoung Whan Kim, Kyoung Jin Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We generalize the spin drift-diffusion formalism by considering spin-orbit interaction of a ferromagnet, which generates transverse spin currents in the ferromagnet. We consider quantum-mechanical transport of transverse spins in a spin-orbit coupled ferromagnet and develop a generalized drift-diffusion equation and boundary condition. By combining them, we identify previously unrecognized spin transport phenomena in heterostructures including ferromagnets. As representative examples, we show self-generated spin torque and self-generated charge pumping in ferromagnet-normal metal bilayers. The former is a torque exerting on a ferromagnet, originating from a transverse spin current leaving from the ferromagnet itself, whereas the latter is the Onsager reciprocity of the former. Our work not only provides a concise formalism for the effects of nondephased transverse spins in ferromagnets but also enables to design spintronic devices without an external spin source.

Original languageEnglish
Article number207205
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume125
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Nov 13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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