Spin torque and waviness in magnetic multilayers: a bridge between Valet-Fert theory and quantum approaches

Valentin S. Rychkov, Simone Borlenghi, Henri Jaffres, Albert Fert, Xavier Waintal

Published 2009-02-25Version 1

We develop a simple theoretical framework for transport in magnetic multilayers, based on Landauer-Buttiker scattering formalism and Random Matrix Theory. A simple transformation allows one to go from the scattering point of view to theories expressed in terms of local currents and electrochemical potential. In particular, our theory can be mapped onto the well established classical Valet Fert theory for collinear systems. For non collinear systems, in the absence of spin-flip scattering, our theory can be mapped onto the generalized circuit theory. We apply our theory to the angular dependance of spin accumulation and spin torque in non-collinear spin valves.