Voltage-controlled spin injection with an endohedral fullerene CoC$_{60}$ dimer

Abstract

Spin-dependent transport through an endohedral fullerene Co@C$_{60}$ dimer with gold electrodes is explored theoretically using density functional and extended H\"{u}ckel theory. Density of states spin polarizations up to 95%, due to spin-splitting of Co 3d orbitals, are found by varying the gate and/or bias voltage. The current-voltage characteristics and strong (up to 100%) spin polarization of the current indicate that the device can be utilized for highly efficient spin injection into nonmagnetic conductors. This finding opens the way to the realization of electrostatically tuned spintronic nano devices less than 2 nanometers in size, without ferromagnetic electrodes.