Spin-coherent transport in ferromagnetically contacted carbon nanotubes

The spin-coherent quantum transport through multiwall carbon nanotubes contacted by ferromagnetic Co pads is investigated experimentally. At 4.2 K, the devices show a remarkable increase of the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio with decreasing junction bias, reaching a maximum MR ratio of 30% at a junction bias current of 1 nA. The experimental results suggest the transport to be dominated by spin-dependent tunneling processes at the Co/nanotube interfaces and governed by the local magnetization. We also observe an asymmetry of the magnetoresistance peak position and width which is attributed to a local exchange biasing in the electrode material. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.