Spin polarized current and Andreev transmission in planar superconducting/ferromagnetic Nb/Ni junctions

Abstract

We have measured the tunnelling current in Nb/Nb_xO_y/Ni planar tunnel junctions at different temperatures. The junctions are in the intermediate transparency regime. We have extracted the current polarization of the metal/ferromagnet junction without applying a magnetic field. We have used a simple theoretical model, that provides consistent fitting parameters for the whole range of temperatures analysed. We have also been able to gain insight into the microscopic structure of the oxide barriers of our junctions.