Andreev reflection spin polarization measurements of a weak ferromagnet PdNi

ORAL

Abstract

As the magnetic moment and the spin polarization of a ferromagnetic material have distinct origins, the existence of a relationship between these two different physical quantities has always been the topic of intense debate. We have studied a series of weakly ferromagnetic variable composition Pd$_{1-x}$Ni$_{x}$ thin film samples fabricated by sputter deposition. Point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR) spectroscopy~with electrochemically etched Nb tips was used to measure the spin polarization of these~samples. Spin polarization values was obtained by fitting the conductance data with the modified BTK model. To ensure the consistency of the results, the identical set of measurements has also been performed with Sn tips.~ Spin polarization of these samples will be compared to their magnetization (measured by a SQUID magnetometer) and the results will be discussed.

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Authors

  • Pushkal Thapa

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48201, USA

  • R. Panguluri

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48201, USA
    • Department of physics and astronomy, Wayne State University

  • T.S. Khaire

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824,USA

  • Boris Nadgorny

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48201, USA