Superconducting proximity effect in a diffusive ferromagnet with spin-active interfaces

Abstract

We reconsider the problem of the superconducting proximity effect in a diffusive ferromagnet bounded by tunneling interfaces, using spin-dependent boundary conditions. This introduces for each interface a phase-shifting conductance G which results from the spin dependence of the phase shifts acquired by electrons upon scattering on the interface. We show that G strongly affects the density of states and supercurrents predicted for superconducting/ferromagnetic hybrid circuits. We show the relevance of this effect by identifying clear signatures of G in the data of T. Kontos [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 304 (2001), 89, 137007 (2002)]. © 2005 The American Physical Society.