Josephson magnetic rotary valve

Abstract

We propose a control element for a Josephson spin valve. It is a complex Josephson device containing ferromagnetic (F) layer in the weak-link area consisting of two regions, representing $0$ and $\pi$ Josephson junctions, respectively. The valve's state is defined by mutual orientations of the F-layer magnetization vector and normal to the interface separating $0$ and $\pi$ sections of the device. We consider possible implementation of the control element by introduction of a thin normal metal layer in a part of the device area. By means of theoretical simulations we study properties of the valve's structure as well as its operation, revealing such advantages as simplicity of control, high characteristic frequency and good legibility of the basic states.