Spin-orientation–dependent superconductivity in F/S/F structures

A new proximity interferential effect is predicted for ferromagnet-superconductor-ferromagnet (F/S/F) systems. When the superconducting layer thickness is smaller or of the order of the superconducting coherence length, its critical temperature and other superconducting characteristics strongly depend on the mutual orientation of the magnetization in F layers. Such a behaviour may result in the fabrication of the so-called spin-valve sandwiches revealing huge magnetoresistance.