Prediction of novel interface-driven spintronic effects

The recently proposed coupling between the angular momentum density and magnetic moment (Raeliarijaona et al 2013 Phys. Rev. Lett. 110 137205) is shown here to result in the prediction of (i) novel spin currents generated by an electrical current and (ii) new electrical currents induced by a spin current in systems possessing specific interfaces between two different materials. Some of these spin (electrical) currents can be reversed near the interface by reversing the applied electrical (spin) current. Similarities and differences between these novel spintronic effects and the well-known spin Hall and inverse spin Hall effects are also discussed.