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Symmetries of Pairing Correlations in Superconductor–Ferromagnet Nanostructures

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Using selection rules imposed by the Pauli principle, we classify pairing correlations according to their symmetry properties with respect to spin, momentum, and energy. We observe that inhomogeneity always leads to mixing of even- and odd-energy pairing components. We investigate the superconducting pairing correlations present near interfaces between superconductors and ferromagnets, with focus on clean systems consisting of singlet superconductors and either weak or half-metallic ferromagnets. Spin-active scattering in the interface region induces all of the possible symmetry components. In particular, the long-range equal-spin pairing correlations have odd-frequency s-wave and even-frequency p-wave components of comparable magnitudes. We also analyze the Josephson current through a half-metal. We find analytic expressions and a universality in the temperature dependence of the critical current in the tunneling limit.

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Author notes

  1. T. Champel

    Present address: Laboratoire de Physique et Modélisation des Milieux Condensés, C.N.R.S., 25, avenue des Martyrs, B.P. 166, 38042, Grenoble Cedex, France

  2. J. C. Cuevas

    Present address: Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada C-V, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Theoretische Festkörperphysik and DFG-Center for Functional Nanostructures, Universität Karlsruhe, D-76128, Karlsruhe, Germany

    M. Eschrig, T. Löfwander, T. Champel, J. C. Cuevas, J. Kopu & Gerd Schön

  2. Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Institut für Nanotechnologie, D-76021, Karlsruhe, Germany

    J. C. Cuevas & Gerd Schön

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  1. M. Eschrig
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  2. T. Löfwander
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  4. J. C. Cuevas
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Correspondence to M. Eschrig.

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Eschrig, M., Löfwander, T., Champel, T. et al. Symmetries of Pairing Correlations in Superconductor–Ferromagnet Nanostructures. J Low Temp Phys 147, 457–476 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-007-9329-6

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