Spin-dependent Seebeck effect in non-local spin valve devices

We performed measurements of Py/Cu and Py/Ag lateral spin valves as a function of injection current direction and magnitude. Above a critical current, there is an unexpected dependence of spin injection on current direction. Positive currents show higher polarization of spin injection than negative. This implies that in addition to current-induced spin injection, there is a thermally induced injection from a spin-dependent Seebeck effect. A temperature gradient in the Py electrode, caused by Joule heating, is responsible for injecting excess spins into the non-magnetic channel. This effect has important consequences for understanding high-current spin-based devices, such as spin transfer torque devices. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4717752]