Magneto-transport and microstructure of Co {sub 2} Fe (Ga {sub 0.5} Ge {sub 0.5})/Cu lateral spin valves prepared by top-down microfabrication process

摘要: Heusler alloy-based lateral spin valves with ohmic contacts are prepared for the Co{sub 2}Fe(Ga{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5})/Cu system by means of the top-down microfabrication process. The magneto-transport and microstructure are characterized to investigate the influence of the microfabrication route on the spin dependent transport of lateral spin valves systematically. A large non-local spin signal (△R{sub S}) of 17.3 mΩ is observed at room temperature, which is attributed to the highly spin-polarized Co{sub 2}Fe(Ga{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5}) ferromagnet and the clean Co{sub 2}Fe(Ga{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5})/Cu interfaces confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Based on the general expression of one-dimensional spin diffusion model, we discuss the importance of interfacial spin polarization in Heusler alloy-based lateral spin valves.