Matrix description of magnetotransport in perfect multilayered structures

Abstract

A simple matrix method in the tight-binding approximation is developed to calculate the transmission and reflection coefficients for an arbitrary multilayered system. Within the Landauer–Büttiker formalism, the spin-dependent conductance and magnetoresistance can be calculated. Explicit analytical formulae for the transmission coefficient in the exemplary cases of single-, double- and triple-spacer junctions are given and numerical calculations for complex multilayered systems are presented. This method should be a useful tool for the search of more efficient spintronic devices.