Huge nonequilibrium magnetoresistance in hybrid superconducting spin valves

A hybrid ferromagnet-superconductor spin valve is proposed. Its operation relies on the interplay between nonequilibrium transport and proximity-induced exchange coupling in superconductors. Huge tunnel magnetoresistance values as large as similar to 10(6)% can be achieved in suitable ferromagnet-superconductor combinations under proper voltage biasing. The controllable spin-filter nature of the structure combined with its intrinsic simplicity makes this setup attractive for low-temperature spintronic applications where reduced power dissipation is an additional requirement. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.