Experimental verification of contact-size estimates in point-contact spectroscopy on superconductor/ferromagnet heterocontacts

Abstract

Nanostructured superconductor/ferromagnet heterocontacts are studied in the different transport regimes of point-contact spectroscopy. Direct measurements of the nanocontact size by scanning electron microscopy allow a comparison with theoretical models for contact-size estimates of heterocontacts. Our experimental data give evidence that size estimates yield reasonable values for the point-contact diameter $d$ as long as the samples are carefully characterized with respect to the local electronic parameters.

arXiv comment19 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review B

References in corpus (6)

• Probing Spin Polarization with Andreev Reflection: A Theoretical Basis
• The role of critical current on point contact Andreev Reflection spectrum between a normal metal and a superconductor
• Analysis of Point-contact Andreev Reflection Spectra in Spin Polarization Measurements
• Electron transport through a circular constriction
• Determining the current polarization in Al/Co nanostructured point contacts
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Cited by in corpus (6)

• Anatomy of point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy from the experimental point of view (review)
• Spin polarization and magnetotransport properties of systematically disordered ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{60}{\mathrm{Al}}_{40}$ thin films
• Hybridization-Controlled Pseudogap State in the Quantum Critical Superconductor CeCoIn5
• Andreev reflection and Yanson point-contact spectroscopy of a Zn single crystal
• FCS of superconducting tunnel junctions in non-equilibrium
• Andreev experiments on superconductor/ferromagnet point contacts