The physics of superconductor-ferromagnet hybrid structures (Mini-review)
A. A. Golubov+*, S. V. Bakurskiy°, T. Karabassov+*, A. S. Vasenko*, M. Yu. Kupriyanov°+, A. S. Sidorenko×
+Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
*Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
°Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
×Technical University of Moldova, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the foundations underlying a variety of
phenomena in superconductor-ferromagnet hybrid structures, with a focus
on recent advances in several key areas. These include: (i) the
fundamental understanding of proximity effects in superconductor-
ferromagnet based systems; (ii) spin-valve effects in superconductor-
ferromagnet and superconductor-ferromagnet-superconductor Josephson
junctions; and (iii) the design and realization of superconducting memory
elements, particularly in hybrid Josephson junctions. We also discuss the
experimental progress in fabricating and characterizing spin-valve
structures.