Disorder Dependence of Interface Spin Memory Loss

The discontinuity of a spin-current through an interface caused by spin-orbit coupling is characterized by the spin memory loss (SML) parameter delta. We use first-principles scattering theory and a recently developed local current scheme to study the SML for Au vertical bar Pt, Au vertical bar Pd, Py vertical bar Pt, and Co vertical bar Pt interfaces. We find a minimal temperature dependence for nonmagnetic interfaces and a strong dependence for interfaces involving ferromagnets that we attribute to the spin disorder. The SML is larger for Co vertical bar Pt than for Py vertical bar Pt because the interface is more abrupt. Lattice mismatch and interface alloying strongly enhance the SML that is larger for a Au vertical bar Pt than for a Au vertical bar Pd interface. The effect of the proximity-induced magnetization of Pt is negligible.