Spin-dependent tunneling in the nearly-free-electron model

Spin-dependent ballistic transport through a tunnel barrier is treated within the one-dimensional nearly-free-electron model. The comparison with free electrons reveals significant effects of band gaps, in particular in the bias dependence. The results are qualitatively explained by the number of incident and transmitted states in the leads. With an extension to ferromagnetic leads the bias dependence of tunnel magneto-resistance is discussed.