Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: We propose a novel type of photonic-crystal (PC)-based nanostructures for efficient and tunable optically-induced spin current generation via the spin Seebeck and inverse spin Hall effects. It has been experimentally demonstrated that optical surface modes localized at the PC surface covered by ferromagnetic layer and materials with giant spin-orbit coupling (SOC) notably increase the efficiency of the optically-induced spin current generation, and provides its tunability by modifying the light wavelength or angle of incidence. Up to 100% of the incident light power can be transferred to heat within the SOC layer and, therefore, to the spin current. Importantly, the high efficiency becomes accessible even for ultra-thin SOC layers. Moreover, the surface patterning of the PC-based spintronic nanostructure allows for the local generation of spin currents at the pattern scales rather than the diameter of the laser beam.
Source: Nanoscale
DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08692d
Institutions: National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Quantum Center, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Edith Cowan University, Electron Science Institute, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Shahid Beheshti University, Prokhorov General Physics Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3133286687