Phase-sensitive detection of spin pumping via the ac inverse spin Hall effect

Abstract: An intriguing feature of spintronics is the use of pure spin-currents to manipulate magnetization, e.g., spin-currents can switch magnetization in spin-torque MRAM, a next-generation DRAM alternative. Giant spin-currents via the spin Hall effect greatly expand the technological opportunities. Conversely, a ferromagnet/normal metal junction emits spin-currents under microwave excitation, i.e. spin-pumping. While such spin-currents are modulated at the excitation frequency, there is also a non-linear, rectified component that is commonly detected using the corresponding inverse spin Hall effect (iSHE) dc voltage. However, the ac component should be more conducive for quantitative analysis, as it is up to two orders of magnitude larger and linear. But any device that uses the ac iSHE is also sensitive to inductive signals via Faraday's Law and discrimination of the ac iSHE signal must rely on phase-sensitive measurements. We use the inductive signal as a reference for a quantitative measurement of the magnitude and phase of the ac iSHE.