Noncollinear single-electron spin-valve transistors

Abstract

We study interaction effects on transport through a small metallic cluster connected to two ferromagnetic leads (a single-electron spin-valve transistor) in the “orthodox model” for the Coulomb blockade. The nonlocal exchange between the spin accumulation on the island and the ferromagnetic leads is shown to affect the transport properties such as the electric current and spin-transfer torque as a function of the magnetic configuration, gate voltage, and applied magnetic field.