Spin Electronics

J. F. Gregg (auth.), Michael Ziese, Martin J. Thornton (eds.)3540418040, 9783540418047

For 50 years conventional electronics has ignored the electron spin. The manipulation and utilisation of the electron spin heralds an exciting and rapidly changing era in electronics, combining the disciplines of magnetism and traditional electronics. The first generation of “spintronic” devices (such as read heads based on giant magnetoresistance or non-volatile magnetic random access memories) have already gained dominant positions in the market place. This volume, the first of its kind on spin electronics describes all the essential topics for new researchers entering the field. It covers magnetism and semiconductor basics, micromagnetism, experimental techniques, materials science, device fabrication and new developments in spin-dependent processes. At the end of most chapters are a number of exercises and worked problems to aid the reader in understanding this fascinating new field.

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Table of contents :
Introduction to Spin Electronics….Pages 3-31
An Introduction to the Theory of Normal and Ferromagnetic Metals….Pages 35-51
Basic Electron Transport….Pages 52-70
Phenomenological Theory of Giant Magnetoresistance….Pages 71-88
Electronic Structure, Exchange and Magnetism in Oxides….Pages 89-116
Transport Properties of Mixed-Valence Manganites….Pages 117-158
Spin Dependent Tunneling….Pages 159-171
Basic Semiconductor Physics….Pages 172-198
Metal-Semiconductor Contacts….Pages 199-203
Micromagnetic Spin Structure….Pages 204-231
Electronic Noise in Magnetic Materials and Devices….Pages 232-273
Materials for Spin Electronics….Pages 277-297
Thin Film Deposition Techniques (PVD)….Pages 298-315
Magnetic Imaging….Pages 316-331
Observation of Micromagnetic Configurations in Mesoscopic Magnetic Elements….Pages 332-378
Micro— and Nanofabrication Techniques….Pages 379-395
Spin Transport in Semiconductors….Pages 396-415
Circuit Theory for the Electrically Declined….Pages 416-463
Spin—Valve and Spin—Tunneling Devices: Read Heads, MRAMs, Field Sensors….Pages 464-488