Unconventional thickness scaling of coherent tunnel magnetoresistance in altermagnets
Zongmeng Yang, Xingyue Yang, Jianhua Wang, Qiang Li, Rui Peng, Ching Hua Lee, L. K. Ang, Jing Lu, Yee Sin Ang, Shibo Fang
Abstract
In conventional ferromagnetic tunnel junctions, the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) typically increases with increasing barrier thickness under ballistic tunneling conditions. In contrast, the authors reveal here unconventional scaling behavior in altermagnetic tunnel junctions, where the TMR decreases as the barrier becomes thicker. This trend originates from spin-degenerate transmission channels inherent to altermagnets, which effectively suppress the increase of TMR with increasing barrier thickness.
Topics & Concepts
Quantum tunnellingScalingCondensed matter physicsTunnel magnetoresistanceFerromagnetismMagnetoresistanceTunnel junctionTunnel effectScaling lawMaterials scienceRectangular potential barrierGiant magnetoresistancePhysicsTransmission (telecommunications)PermalloyBallistic conductionTransmission coefficientIron alloysSpintronicsCurrent (fluid)Magnetic properties of thin filmsQuantum and electron transport phenomenaChemical and Physical Properties of Materials