Paramagnetic spin splitting of the conductances for tunnel junctions between partially gapped metals with charge density waves and normal metals or ferromagnets

Abstract

We consider tunnelling between a metal partially gapped by charge density waves (CDWM) and an ordinary metal (M) or a ferromagnet (FM) separated by an insulator (I) in an external magnetic field H. Zeeman paramagnetic splitting is assumed to dominate in the CDWM over orbital magnetic effects. The quasiparticle tunnel current J and relevant differential conductance G are calculated as functions of the bias voltage V. The peaks of G(V), originating from the electron density of states singularities near the charge density wave gap edges, were shown to be split in the magnetic field, each peak having a predominant spin polarization. This effect is analogous to the H-induced splitting of G(V) peaks obtained by Tedrow and Meservey for junctions between normal metals and superconductors (S). Thus, it is possible to electrically measure the polarization of current carriers in such a set-up, although the behaviours of G(V) in the two cases are substantially different. The use of M–I–CDWM junctions instead of M–I–S ones has certain advantages. The absence of the Meissner effect, which weakens the constraints upon the junction geometry and electrode materials, comprises the main benefit. The other advantage is the larger energy range of the charge density wave gaps in comparison to that for superconductors’ gaps, so that larger Hs may be applied.