Quantum coherence in a ferromagnetic metal: time-dependent conductance fluctuations

Abstract

Quantum coherence of electrons in ferromagnetic metals is difficult to assess experimentally. We report the first measurements of time-dependent universal conductance fluctuations in ferromagnetic metal (Ni$_{0.8}$Fe$_{0.2}$) nanostructures as a function of temperature and magnetic field strength and orientation. We find that the cooperon contribution to this quantum correction is suppressed, and that domain wall motion can be a source of coherence-enhanced conductance fluctuations. The fluctuations are more strongly temperature dependent than those in normal metals, hinting that an unusual dephasing mechanism may be at work.

5 pages, 4 figures