Clocked single-spin source based on a spin-split superconductor

Abstract

We propose an accurate clocked single-spin source for ac-spintronic applications. Our device consists of a superconducting island covered by a ferromagnetic insulator (FI) layer through which it is coupled to superconducting leads. Single-particle transfer relies on the energy gaps and the island's charging energy, and is enabled by a bias and a time-periodic gate voltage. Accurate spin transfer is achieved by the FI layer which polarizes the island, provides spin-selective tunneling barriers and improves the precision by suppressing Andreev reflection. We analyze realistic material combinations and experimental requirements which allow for a clocked spin current in the MHz regime.

Keywords

• superconducting spintronics
• quasiparticle transport
• turnstile
• superconducting single-electron transistor