The Physics of Superconductor–Ferromagnet Hybrid Structures (Mini-review)

In this review, we summarize the foundations underlying a variety of phenomena in superconductor– ferromagnet hybrid structures, with a focus on recent advances in several key areas. These include: (i) the fundamental understanding of proximity effects in superconductor–ferromagnet based systems; (ii) spin-valve effects in superconductor– ferromagnet and superconductor–ferromagnet–superconductor Josephson junctions; and (iii) the design and realization of superconducting memory elements, particularly in hybrid Josephson junctions. We also discuss the experimental progress in fabricating and characterizing spin-valve structures.