Spin Current in Junctions composed of Multi-band Superconductors with a Spin-density Wave

Abstract

We calculate a nondissipative spin current and show that it can flow with or without a charge current. We consider a two-band model which can be applied to the description of Fe-based pnictides in coexistence regime of superconductivity and spin-density wave. Using quasiclassical Green's functions approach and tunneling Hamiltonian method we show that there exists a possibility to switch off the Josephson current while leaving the spin current finite. Moreover, it is possible to have the critical Josephson current and the critical spin current being proportional to each other, thus giving a possibility to measure the spin current via the Josephson current. The underlying mechanism is the interfering hopping of electron--hole pairs between different bands of the superconductors composing the junction. This is an intrinsic property of the system and provides a unique and natural way to utilize junctions made solely of pnictides in promising applications in spintronics devices.