Optimisation of geometrical ratchets for spin-current amplification
A two-dimensional model is used to study the geometrical effects of a nonmagnetic (NM) nanowire upon a spin-polarised electron current in a lateral spin-valve structure. We found that the implemented ratchet shapes at the centre of the NM have a crucial effect on the diffusive rate for up- and down-spin electrons along the wire, which leads to the amplification of non-local spin-current signals. By using our simple model, the geometries have been optimised. The calculated spin-current signals are in good qualitative agreement with our recent experimental results [Abdullah et al., J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 47, 482001(FTC) (2014)]. Our model may be very useful to evaluate such a geometrical effect on spin-polarised electron transport.