Wave-vector-dependent tunneling through magnetic barriers

Abstract

New tunneling structures are proposed consisting of magnetic barriers that can be created by lithographic patterning of ferromagnetic or superconducting films. The form of the equivalent potential for such a barrier depends on the wave vector of the incident electron. This renders the transmission through such structures an inherently two-dimensional process since the tunneling probability depends not only on the electron's momentum perpendicular to the tunneling barrier but also on its momentum parallel to the barrier. Pronounced resonances are obtained for the tunneling probability and the conductance of a resonant tunneling device consisting of such magnetic barriers.