Finite-Size Effect in Phonon-Induced Elliott-Yafet Spin Relaxation in Al

Watts, JD, Batley, JT, Rabideau, NA, Hoch, JP, O'Brien, L ORCID: 0000-0002-0136-8603, Crowell, PA and Leighton, C (2022) Finite-Size Effect in Phonon-Induced Elliott-Yafet Spin Relaxation in Al. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS, 128 (20). 207201-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.128.207201

Abstract

The Elliott-Yafet theory of spin relaxation in nonmagnetic metals predicts proportionality between spin and momentum relaxation times for scattering centers such as phonons. Here, we test this theory in Al nanowires over a very large thickness range (8.5-300 nm), finding that the Elliott-Yafet proportionality "constant" for phonon scattering in fact exhibits a large, unanticipated finite-size effect. Supported by analytical and numerical modeling, we explain this via strong phonon-induced spin relaxation at surfaces and interfaces, driven in particular by enhanced spin-orbit coupling.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 May 2022 15:10
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:02
DOI:	10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.207201
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3154916