Finite-element theory of transport in ferromagnet-normal metal systems

Abstract

We formulate a theory of spin dependent transport in an electronic circuit involving ferromagnetic elements with noncollinear magnetization which is based on the conservation of spin and charge current. The theory considerably simplifies the calculation of the transport properties of complicated ferromagnet-normal metal systems. We illustrate the theory by considering a novel three-terminal device. © 2000 The American Physical Society.