Transport properties of YBa2Cu3O7−σ/ferromagnetic interfaces

Abstract The transport properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−σ /permalloy interfaces as a function of temperature and small magnetic fields are presented. High quality (001) and (100) oriented YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−σ (YBCO) thin films are prepared by the off-axis sputtering technique. Permalloy (Ni 0.8 Fe 0.2 ) films are then deposited on top of the YBCO films, and patterned in order to obtain sub-millimeter contacts. The interface resistances in the normal and superconducting state of the YBCO are measured as a function of an applied magnetic field. The results are discussed in the framework of electron spin transport across the interface and spin diffusion in the bulk of the superconductor.