Spin-orbit scattering effect on electron-electron interactions in disordered metals

We have measured the low-temperature resistivities of a series of bulk crys talline disordered Ti73-xAl27Snx alloys (x less than or similar to 5) as we ll as the sheet resistances of a number of thin ferromagnetic Ni films (app roximate to 120 Angstrom thick) sandwiching an ultrathin Ag or Au (less tha n or similar to5 Angstrom) layer. The level of impurities (concentration of Sn in the former ease, and thickness of Ag or Au in the latter case) is pr ogressively increased in order to enhance the spin-orbit scattering in a co ntrollable manner. The influence of the spin-orbit scattering on the electr on-electron interaction effects is studied from the temperature dependence of resistivities (sheet resistance) at low temperatures. We find that the e lectron-electron interaction contribution to the resistivities (sheet resis tances) increases slightly with increasing spin-orbit scattering. Our obser vation is discussed in terms of the current theoretical concept for the ele ctron-electron interactions in disordered metals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.