Spin-dependent tunneling spectroscopy in single-crystal Fe/MgO/Fe tunnel junctions

Abstract

We report a detailed spin-dependent tunneling spectroscopy in single-crystal Fe (001) MgO (001) Fe (001) magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) that show a giant tunnel magnetoresistance effect. Spectra for antiparallel magnetic configurations show asymmetry because of extrinsic electron scatterings caused by structural defects at the barrier/electrode interfaces. Surprisingly, spectra for parallel magnetic configurations exhibit a complex oscillatory structure that has never been observed in conventional MTJs with an aluminum-oxide tunnel barrier. The complex spectra reflect the tunneling process via interface resonant states. These results provide some information that helps to elucidate the physics of spin-dependent electron tunneling and to further enhance magnetoresistance. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.