First Principle Noncollinear Transport Calculation and Interfacial Spin-flipping of Cu/Co Multilayers

Abstract

In this paper the first principle noncollinear transport calculation for Cu/Co(111) including interfacial spin-flipping was performed. We modeled spin-flipping at the interface by assuming a noncollinear magnetic structure with random magnetization orientation which satisfied Gaussian distribution along average magnetization direction. The relationship between spin-dependent conductance including interfacial spin-flipping and random magnetization orientation distribution width was obtained. For certain distribution width, our defined spin-flipping ratio coincides with the range of experimental spin-flipping probability $P=1-e^{-\delta}$, where $\delta=0.25\pm0.1$. The magnetoresistance in Co/Cu/Co spin valve system including interfacial spin-flipping has also been calculated.