Enhanced spin accumulation in nano-pillar-based lateral spin valve using spin reservoir effect

Lateral spin valves are ideal nanostructures for investigating spin-transport physics phenomena and promoting the development of future spintronic devices owing to dissipation-less pure spin current. The magnitude of the spin accumulation signal is well understood as a barometer for characterizing spin current devices. Here, we develop a novel fabrication method for lateral spin valves based on ferromagnetic nanopillar structures using a multi-angle deposition technique. We demonstrate that the spin-accumulation signal is effectively enhanced by reducing the lateral dimension of the nonmagnetic spin channel. The obtained results can be quantitatively explained by the confinement of the spin reservoir by considering spin diffusion into the leads. The temperature dependence of the spin accumulation signal and the influence of the thermal spin injection under a high bias current are also discussed.

Nanostructuring at oblique incidence deposition of cobalt

Nanocolumnar Co thin films growth by oblique angle deposition on Si substrate is experimentally studied. Formation of regular arrays of tilted Co nanocolumns has been observed at incidence angles more than 70°. It was found that the optimal conditions for nanostructuring are realized at the inclination angle 85°. As obtained films have magnetic anisotropy axis inclined to the substrate surface and oriented along nanocolumns. Such films might be perspective material for applications as a magnetic recording media for next generations of hard disks.