Session Z32: Focus Session: Magnetoresistance and Spin-dependent Transport
11:15 AM–1:51 PM, Friday, March 20, 2009
Room: 336
Sponsoring Units:
GMAG DMP FIAP
Chair: Kiran Thadani, Cornell University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.MAR.Z32.11
Abstract: Z32.00011 : Specific Resistance of Pd/Ir Interfaces
1:15 PM–1:27 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Rakhi Acharyya
(Michigan State University)
Hoang Yen Thi Nguyen
(Michigan State University)
Reza Loloee
(Michigan State University)
William P. Pratt Jr.
(Michigan State University)
Jack Bass
(Michigan State University)
Shuai Wang
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Ke Xia
(Chinese Academy of Sciences)
In electronic transport with current-flow perpendicular to the layer planes (CPP) of a metallic multilayer, the interface specific resistance AR (area A through which CPP-current flows times sample resistance R) is fundamental. Special interest focuses upon AR for metals M1 and M2 with the same crystal structure, and lattice parameters the same to within $\sim $ 1 percent, as AR can then be calculated with no free parameters. From measurements of the total AR of sputtered Pd/Ir multilayers, we obtain twice the interface specific resistance, 2AR$_{Pd/Ir}$ = 1.02 $\pm $ 0.06 f$\Omega$ m$^{2}$. For a single fcc structure with average lattice parameter of Pd and Ir, calculations including only spd orbitals give for perfect interfaces, 2AR$_{Pd/Ir}$(Perf) = 1.21 $\pm $ 0.1 f$\Omega $m$^{2}$, and for interfaces composed of two monolayers of a random 50{\%}-50{\%} alloy, 2AR$_{Pd/Ir }$(50/50) = 1.22 $\pm $ 0.1 f$\Omega $m$^{2}$. These values fall just outside the range of the experimental value. Upgrading to include f-orbitals gives 2AR$_{Pd/Ir}$(Perf) = 1.1 $\pm $ 0.1 f$\Omega $m$^{2}$ and 2AR$_{Pd/Ir}$(50-50) = 1.15 $\pm $ 0.1 f$\Omega $m$^{2}$. Within mutual uncertainties, these values are compatible with the experimental one.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.MAR.Z32.11