Inelastic Scattering and Spin Scattering Times in Metallic Thin Films

Abstract

Inelastic scattering time τ_ε and spin scattering time τ_s are studied in Bi, Cu–Mn alloy and noble metal films through the analyses of their magnetoconductivity. Inelastic scattering time in Bi films is found to be proportional to T⁻¹ and to the sheet conductivity below 1.5 K, and to depend on T more strongly at higher temperature. These features are consistent with recent theories on τ_ε due to electron-electron interaction in two-dimensional disordered systems. In Cu–Mn alloy films with various concentration of Mn, systematic change of the magnetoconductivity is mainly ascribed to the variation of τ_s, which is caused by Mn atoms. In noble metal films, the temperature dependence of the magnetoconductivity indicates that both scattering times are of a comparable order of magnitude at low temperature.