Nearly total spin polarization in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 from tunneling experiments

We have performed magnetotransport measurements on La2/3Sr1/3MnO3/SrTiO3/La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 magnetic tunnel junctions. A magnetoresistance ratio of more than 1800% is obtained at 4 K, from which we infer an electrode spin polarization of at least 95%. This result strongly underscores the half-metallic nature of mixed-valence manganites and demonstrates their capability as a spin analyzer. The magnetoresistance extends up to temperatures of more than 270 K. We argue that these improvements over most previous works may result from optimizing the patterning process for oxide heterostructures. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.