New Paradigms for Spintronics: Spin-Valve Effect in Single-Crystal Ruthenates

The spin valve effect is thought to be a delicate quantum phenomenon that depends upon precision deposition and nanoscale patterning of artificial thin-film heterostructures whose quality and performance are difficult to control. Here we demonstrate that a novel, strong spin valve effect exists in \textit{bulk} single-crystal ruthenates having an anisotropic, layered crystal structure [1]. This discovery opens new avenues to understand the underlying physics of spin valves, and fully realize its potential in practical devices. \\[4pt] [1] G. Caoet al., \textit{PRL}\textbf{100}, 016604 (2008)