Spin Dependence of the Electron Mean Free Path in Fe, Co, and Ni

Abstract
Spin-dependent electron mean free paths as a function of the hot electron energy are calculated for Fe, Co, and Ni. The difference in mean free paths of electrons for spin parallel and antiparallel to the majority spin direction of the ferromagnet is found to change sign and decrease rapidly in magnitude with increasing electron energy. Results for the mean free path with and without exchange included are also presented.