Spin-pumping through a varying-thickness MgO interlayer in Fe/Pt system

Abstract

The spin-pumping mechanism is probed through a tunnelling MgO interlayer in Fe/Pt bilayers. We show by ferromagnetic resonance technique and spin-pumping experiments that spin currents can tunnel through the MgO interlayer for thicknesses up to 2 nm and can produce significant voltages in the Pt layer. The electrical detection of spin-pumping furthermore reveals the critical role of rectification and shunting effects on the generated voltages. The non-zero spin current transport through a few monolayers of an insulating interlayer might initiate further studies on the role of very thin oxides in spin-pumping experiments.