Effects of spin–orbit coupling on tunnel magneto-resistance in resonant-tunneling magnetic tunnel junctions

The tunnel magneto-resistance (TMR) ratio is investigated for resonant-tunneling magnetic tunnel junctions (RTMTJs). The effects of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) within the insulator barriers and a non-magnetic metal spacer on the TMR ratio of the RTMTJs are considered by the present investigation as similar works have not been reported. The non-equilibrium Green’s function method is applied to calculate the transmission function in the tight-binding model. The tunnel magneto-resistance ratio is decreased in the presence of the SOC through the devices. The present results can be useful for improving in the field of spintronics.