Self-consistent determination of spin Hall angles in selected 5d metals by thermal spin injection

We demonstrate a self-consistent and versatile method to determine the relative spin Hall angle θSH and spin diffusion length λSF of selected 5d metals (Pt, Au, Ta, and W) by thermal spin injection from a common ferromagnetic insulator, yttrium iron garnet, into thin metal films of various thicknesses. The values of θSH for Pt and Au are opposite in sign to those of Ta and W. The inverse spin Hall effect voltage depends on spin Hall resistivity, which is the product of θSH and electrical resistivity. We also show evidence of magnetic proximity effects including magnetoresistance and the anomalous Hall effect in these 5d metals, except for Au.