Comparison of measured and calculated specific resistances of Pd/Pt interfaces

We compare specific resistances (AR=area A times resistance R) of sputtered Pd/Pt interfaces measured in two different ways with no-free-parameter calculations. One way gives 2AR(Pd/Pt)=0.29 +/- 0.03 f Omega m(2) and the other 2AR(Pd/Pt)=0.17 +/- 0.13 f Omega m(2). From these we derive a "best estimate" of 2AR(Pd/Pt)=0.28 +/- 0.06 f Omega m(2), which overlaps with no-free-parameters calculations: 2AR(Pd/Pt)(predicted)=0.30 +/- 0.04 f Omega m(2) for flat, perfect interfaces, or 0.33 +/- 0.04 f Omega m(2) for interfaces composed of 2 monolayer (ML) of a 50%-50% PdPt alloy. These results support three prior examples of agreement between calculations and measurements for pairs of metals having the same crystal structure and the same lattice parameter to within 1%. We also estimate the spin-flipping probability at Pd/Pt interfaces as delta(Pd/Pt)=0.13 +/- 0.08. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.