Prospects for detection of spin accumulation using submicron planar Andreev array spectroscopy

Andreev spectroscopy can be employed to measure transport spin polarization. Planar Andreev devices have an advantage over point-contact Andreev spectroscopy as they offer greater control over interface quality and the possibility of spatially resolved information about spin polarization using submicron Andreev junction arrays. The authors compare the performance of Pb point contacts onto Cu and Co with that of large area and submicron planar junctions and singularly connected nanoarrays. Planar structures compare favorably to point contacts although the fabrication method influences extracted parameters. The authors find that submicron planar junction reproducibility does not adversely affect the prospects for developing arrays for detection of spin accumulation.