Spin-orbit scattering effect on electron-electron interactions in disordered metals

Abstract

We have measured the low-temperature resistivities of a series of bulk crystalline disordered Ti73-xAl27Snx alloys (x less than or similar to 5) as well as the sheet resistances of a number of thin ferromagnetic Ni films (approximate to 120 Angstrom thick) sandwiching an ultrathin Ag or Au (less than or similar to5 Angstrom) layer. The level of impurities (concentration of Sn in the former ease, and thickness of Ag or Au in the latter case) is progressively increased in order to enhance the spin-orbit scattering in a controllable manner. The influence of the spin-orbit scattering on the electron-electron interaction effects is studied from the temperature dependence of resistivities (sheet resistance) at low temperatures. We find that the electron-electron interaction contribution to the resistivities (sheet resistances) increases slightly with increasing spin-orbit scattering. Our observation is discussed in terms of the current theoretical concept for the electron-electron interactions in disordered metals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.