Asymmetric spin absorption across a low-resistance oxide barrier

An unconventional method of nonlocal spin detection is demonstrated in mesoscopic lateral spin valves at room temperature. Clear nonlocal spin signals are detected between the two ends of an extended ferromagnetic spin detector. This is different from the conventional method in which the nonlocal voltage is measured between the spin detector and the nonmagnetic channel. The results can be understood as spatially non-uniform absorption of a pure spin current into the spin detector across a low-resistance oxide interface