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Title: Spin polarization and {pi}-phase state of the Josephson contact: Critical current of mesoscopic SFIFS and SFIS junctions

Journal Article · · Physical Review B

On the basis of a microscopic proximity effect model, the critical current of superconductor/ferromagnet/insulator/ferromagnet/superconductor (SFIFS) and superconductor/ferromagnet/insulator/superconductor Josephson junctions have been calculated. Both metals, a superconductor (S) and a ferromagnet (F), are supposed to be in a {open_quotes}dirty{close_quotes} limit and the thickness of the F layer is assumed to be small compared to its coherence length. It is shown that critical current in the SFIFS contact can reverse its sign and a crossover to the {open_quotes}{pi}{close_quotes} state of the junction takes place even at a mesoscopic thickness of the F layer. We discuss, how by changing the SF sandwich parameters (a ferromagnetic exchange field, boundary transparency, and strength of proximity effect) the conditions for crossover from {open_quotes}0{close_quotes} to {open_quotes}{pi}{close_quotes} phase shift across the contact are changed.

Sponsoring Organization:
(US)
OSTI ID:
40203523
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Vol. 63, Issue 22; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.63.224515; Othernumber: PRBMDO000063000022224515000001; 037122PRB; PBD: 1 Jun 2001; ISSN 0163-1829
Publisher:
The American Physical Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English