Infinite Magnetoresistance from the Spin Dependent Proximity Effect in Symmetry Drivenbcc−Fe/V/FeHeteroepitaxial Superconducting Spin Valves

Abstract

Superconductivity in fully epitaxial $\mathrm{bcc}\mathrm{\text{−}}\mathrm{Fe}/\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{Fe}$ hybrid spin valve structures is influenced by the spin currents and supercurrents as well as band symmetry. The transition temperature is spin dependent in the presence of the proximity effect. A unique feature in this system is the band symmetry filtering taking place at the $\mathrm{Fe}/\mathrm{V}$ interface. The absence of ${\Delta }_2$ Bloch states at the Fermi level in the Fe spin majority channel leads to spin selectivity and reduced transparency at the interface. Infinite magnetoresistance with clear remanence states is obtained, and implies the potential for spintronic applications.