Spin memory and spin-lattice relaxation in two-dimensional hexagonal crystals

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical model for spin relaxation in 2D hexagonal crystals, showing that flexural deformations can induce spin relaxation even without defects, with results depending on temperature and material properties.

Contribution

It introduces a generic symmetry-based model for spin-lattice coupling in 2D crystals, highlighting the role of flexural deformations in spin relaxation.

Findings

Flexural deformations cause spin relaxation in defectless 2D crystals.

Spin lifetimes depend on temperature and material-specific parameters.

The model predicts spin relaxation times in ambient conditions.

Abstract

We propose a theory of spin relaxation of electrons and holes in two-dimensional hexagonal crystals such as atomic layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2, WSe2, etc). We show that even in intrinsically defectless crystals, their flexural deformations are able to generate spin relaxation of carriers. Based on symmetry analysis, we formulate a generic model for spin-lattice coupling between electrons and flexural deformations, and use it to determine temperature and material-dependent spin lifetimes in atomic crystals in ambient conditions.