Abstract
We demonstrate efficient spin-polarized tunneling between a ferromagnetic metal and a ferromagnetic semiconductor with highly mismatched conductivities. This is indicated by a large tunneling magnetoresistance (up to 30%) at low temperatures in epitaxial magnetic tunnel junctions composed of a ferromagnetic metal (MnAs) and a ferromagnetic semiconductor (formula presented) separated by a nonmagnetic semiconductor (AlAs). Analysis of the current-voltage characteristics yields detailed information about the asymmetric tunnel barrier. The low temperature conductance-voltage characteristics show a zero bias anomaly and a (formula presented) dependence of the conductance, suggesting a correlation gap in the density of states of (formula presented) These experiments suggest that MnAs/AlAs heterostructures offer well characterized tunnel junctions for high efficiency spin injection into GaAs.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-4 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics