Effective spin-flip scattering in diffusive superconducting proximity systems with magnetic disorder

Abstract

We revisit the problem of diffusive proximity systems involving superconductors and normal metals (or ferromagnets) with magnetic disorder. On the length scales much larger than its correlation length, the effect of sufficiently weak magnetic disorder may be incorporated as a local spin-flip term in the Usadel equations. We derive this spin-flip term in the general case of a three-dimensional disordered Zeeman-type field with an arbitrary correlation length. Three different regimes may be distinguished: pointlike impurities (the correlation length is shorter than the Fermi wavelength), medium-range disorder (the correlation length between the Fermi wavelength and the mean free path), and long-range disorder (the correlation length longer than the mean free path). We discuss the relations between these three regimes by using the three overlapping approaches: the Usadel equations, the non-linear sigma model, and the diagrammatic expansion. The expressions for the spin-flip rate agree with the existing results obtained in less general situations.

11 pages (including 2 EPS figures). Version 2: minor changes; added references. Final version as published in PRB

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Cited by in corpus (13)

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• Current-voltage characteristics of tunnel Josephson junctions with a ferromagnetic interlayer
• Subgap states in disordered superconductors
• Spin-polarized triplet supercurrent in Josephson junctions with perpendicular ferromagnetic layers
• Triple-gap superconductivity of MgB2 - (La,Sr)MnO3 composite. Which of the gaps is proximity induced?
• Influence of magnetic disorders on Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect in Magnetic Topological Insulator Films beyond the two-dimensional limit
• Anomalous current-voltage characteristics of SFIFS Josephson junctions with weak ferromagnetic interlayers
• Cascading Proximity Effects in Rotating Magnetizations
• Expanding the operational temperature window of a superconducting spin valve
• Classification of magnetic inhomogeneities and $0-\pi$ transitions in superconducting-magnetic hybrid structures
• The role of canting and depleted-triplet minima in superconducting spin valve structures
• Signatures of Long-Range Spin-Triplet Component in Andreev Interferometer
• Minigap suppression in S(N/F)S junctions