From classical to quantum spintronics: Theory of coherent spin injection and spin valve phenomena

We present a theory of coherent quantum transport in ferromagnetic/ non-magnetic/ ferromagnetic heterojunctions. We predict quantum coherence to give rise to a quantum spin valve effect that, unlike its familiar classical analog, occurs even in the absence of a net spin current through the heterostructure. Thus the relationship between spin and charge transport is qualitatively different in the presence of quantum interference than in the (semi)classical regime. This has important implications for the design of quantum coherent spintronic devices and the interpretation of experiments.