E1gE_{1g} model of superconducting UPt3_3

The phase diagram of superconducting UPt$_3$ is explained in a Ginzburg-Landau theory starting from the hypothesis that the order parameter is a pseudo-spin singlet which transforms according to the $E_{1g}$ representation of the $D_{6h}$ point group. We show how to compute the positions of the phase boundaries both when the applied field is in the basal plane and when it is along the c-axis. The experimental phase diagrams as determined by longitudinal sound velocity data can be fit using a single set of parameters. In particular the crossing of the upper critical field curves for the two field directions and the apparent isotropy of the phase diagram are reproduced. The former is a result of the magnetic properties of UPt$_3$ and their contribution to the free energy in the superconducting state. The latter is a consequence of an approximate particle-hole symmetry. Finally we extend the theory to finite pressure and show that, in contrast to other models, the $E_{1g}$ model explains the observed pressure dependence of the phase boundaries.Comment: RevTex, 29 pages, 18 PostScript figures in a uuencoded, gzipped tar file. PostScript version of paper, tar file of PostScript figures and individual PostScript figures are also available via anonymous ftp at ftp://nym.physics.wisc.edu/anonymou/papers/upt3

Identification of the Orbital Pairing Symmetry in UPt_3

This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive analysis of the thermodynamic and transport data for the superconducting phases of UPt_3. Calculations of the transverse sound attenuation as a function of temperature, frequency, polarization, and disorder are presented for the leading models of the superconducting order parameter. Measurements of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and transverse sound attenuation place strong constraints on the orbital symmetry of the superconducting order parameter. We show that the superconducting A and B phases are in excellent agreement with pairing states belonging to the odd-parity E_{2u} orbital representation.Comment: 11 pages with 7 figure

Spintronics: Fundamentals and applications

Spintronics, or spin electronics, involves the study of active control and manipulation of spin degrees of freedom in solid-state systems. This article reviews the current status of this subject, including both recent advances and well-established results. The primary focus is on the basic physical principles underlying the generation of carrier spin polarization, spin dynamics, and spin-polarized transport in semiconductors and metals. Spin transport differs from charge transport in that spin is a nonconserved quantity in solids due to spin-orbit and hyperfine coupling. The authors discuss in detail spin decoherence mechanisms in metals and semiconductors. Various theories of spin injection and spin-polarized transport are applied to hybrid structures relevant to spin-based devices and fundamental studies of materials properties. Experimental work is reviewed with the emphasis on projected applications, in which external electric and magnetic fields and illumination by light will be used to control spin and charge dynamics to create new functionalities not feasible or ineffective with conventional electronics.Comment: invited review, 36 figures, 900+ references; minor stylistic changes from the published versio