Observation of spin filtering in magnetic insulator contacts to silicon

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Abstract
The magnetic insulator EuS is used to create a spin-selective and conductivity-matched tunnel contact to silicon, in analogy to a conventional ferromagnetic metal/semiconductor configuration employed for spin injection. The spin filter efficiency of such a magnetic “spin filter” tunnel barrier is quantified using an adjacent Co ferromagnetic electrode as spin detector in a spin valve-type structure. This previously unobserved magnetoresistance effect demonstrates the efficient spin-polarizing nature of magnetic semiconductors on silicon and its prospective functionality as spin injectors/detectors in hybrid semiconductor devices.
Funding Information
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (MU 3160/1-1)

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