Spin-polarized current and tunnel magnetoresistance in heterogeneous single-barrier magnetic tunnel junctions

• A model of heterogeneous tunnel junction is developed.
• The model takes into account Volta potential and the difference of effective masses.
• Calculations was done for Fe/MgO/Fe-like structures.
• It is shown the influence of the structure parameters on TMR.

Current in heterogeneous tunnel junctions is studied in the framework of the parabolic conduction-band model. The developed model of the electron tunneling takes explicitly into account the difference of effective masses between ferromagnetic and insulating layers and between conduction subbands. Calculations for Fe/MgO/Fe-like structures have shown the essential impact of effective mass differences in regions (constituents) of the structure on the tunnel magnetoresistance of the junction.