Spin-orbit induced anisotropy in the tunneling magnetoresistance of magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract

The effects of the spin-orbit interaction on the tunneling magnetoresistance of magnetic tunnel junctions are investigated. A model in which the experimentally observed two-fold symmetry of the anisotropic tunneling magnetoresistance (TAMR) originates from the interference between Dresselhaus and Bychkov-Rashba spin-orbit couplings is formulated. Bias induced changes of the Bychkov-Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength can result in an inversion of the TAMR. The theoretical calculations are in good agreement with the TAMR experimentally observed in epitaxial Fe/GaAs/Au tunnel junctions.

5 pages, 3 figures Figure 2a has been corrected. Figures 2b and 3 have been replaced according to the new formal modifications of the manuscript