Interaction-driven spin precession in quantum-dot spin valves.
We analyze spin-dependent transport through spin valves composed of an interacting quantum dot coupled to two ferromagnetic leads. The spin on the quantum dot and the linear conductance as a function of the relative angle theta of the leads' magnetization directions is derived to lowest order in the dot-lead coupling strength. Because of the applied bias voltage spin accumulates on the quantum dot, which for finite charging energy experiences a torque, resulting in spin precession. The latter leads to a nontrivial, interaction-dependent, theta dependence of the conductance. In particular, we find that the spin-valve effect is reduced for all theta not equal pi.
Institut für Theoretische Festkörperphysik, Universität Karlsruhe, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Jürgen
J
König
Jan
J
Martinek