Manipulating spin-polarized photocurrents in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

Manipulating spin polarization of electrons in nonmagnetic semiconductors by means of electric fields or optical fields is an essential theme of the conceptual nonmagnetic semiconductor-based spintronics. Here we experimentally demonstrate an electric method of detecting spin polarization in monolay...

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Published inProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS Vol. 113; no. 14; pp. 3746 - 3750
Main Authors Xie, Lu, Cui, Xiaodong
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States National Academy of Sciences 05.04.2016
National Acad Sciences
Subjects
Electrons
Magnetism
Metals
Physical Sciences
Semiconductors
spin lifetime
monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
spintronics
spin–valley coupling
valley lifetime
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Summary:Manipulating spin polarization of electrons in nonmagnetic semiconductors by means of electric fields or optical fields is an essential theme of the conceptual nonmagnetic semiconductor-based spintronics. Here we experimentally demonstrate an electric method of detecting spin polarization in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) generated by circularly polarized optical pumping. The spin-polarized photocurrent is achieved through the valleydependent optical selection rules and the spin–valley locking in monolayer WS₂, and electrically detected by a lateral spin–valve structure with ferromagnetic contacts. The demonstrated long spin–valley lifetime, the unique valley-contrasted physics, and the spin–valley locking make monolayer WS₂ an unprecedented candidate for semiconductor-based spintronics.
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Edited by Philip Kim, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, and accepted by the Editorial Board February 26, 2016 (received for review November 21, 2015)
Author contributions: X.C. designed research; L.X. performed research; L.X. and X.C. analyzed data; and L.X. and X.C. wrote the paper.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.1523012113