Long Spin Diffusion Length in Few-Layer Graphene Flakes

Abstract

We report a spin valve with a few-layer graphene flake bridging highly spin-polarized La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 electrodes, whose surfaces are kept clean during lithographic definition. Sharp magnetic switching is verified using photoemission electron microscopy with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism contrast. A naturally occurring high interfacial resistance ∼12 MΩ facilitates spin injection, and a large resistive switching (0.8 MΩ at 10 K) implies a 70-130 μm spin diffusion length that exceeds previous values obtained with sharp-switching electrodes.