Spin-memory loss at 4.2 K in sputtered Pd and Pt and at Pd/Cu and Pt/Cu interfaces

We derive spin-diffusion lengths at 4.2 K in sputtered Pd and Pt of l(sf)(Pd)=25(-5)(+10) nm and l(sf)(Pt)=14+/-6 nm, interface specific resistances of sputtered Pd/Cu and Pt/Cu of 2AR(Pd/Cu)=0.9+/-0.1 fOmega m(2) and 2AR(Pt/Cu)=1.5+/-0.1 fOmega m(2), and the amount of spin-memory loss at the Pd/Cu and Pt/Cu interfaces as delta(Pd/Cu)=0.24(-0.03)(+0.06) and delta(Pt/Cu)=0.9+/-0.1. We compare our values with those from metals in similar rows of the Periodic Table, Nb for Pt and W for Pd. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.