Sign of tunnel spin polarization of low-work-function Gd/Co nanolayers in a magnetic tunnel junction

Abstract

Magnetic tunnel junctions having a low-work-function Gd/Co nanolayer at the interface with an Al2O3 tunnel barrier are shown to exhibit both positive and negative values of the tunnel magnetoresistance. The sign of the tunnel spin polarization of the Gd/Co nanolayer electrode depends on the thickness of the Gd and Co layers, temperature, and applied voltage. This reflects the nature of the interaction between the conduction electrons of the rare-earth and transition metals. \u