Spin torque on magnetic domain walls exerted by supercurrents

Abstract

We calculate the spin density, spin currents and spin torque due to a spin polarized current on a magnetic domain wall juxtaposed to or inserted in a conventional superconductor. The superconductor is part of a heterostructure of the type NSN or FSF. In general, the spin torque exerted on the domain wall is weaker with respect to a normal metal. However, there are regimes where the torque is enhanced with respect to the normal metal. In these regimes the motion of the domain wall is therefore more efficient. A notable case is the passing of an unpolarized current which leads to a finite torque in the case of the superconductor.