Spin-dependent photogalvanic effects (A Review)

TL;DR

This review comprehensively covers theoretical and experimental research on spin-dependent photogalvanic effects, including phenomena in topological materials, highlighting recent advances and open questions in the field.

Contribution

It provides a detailed synthesis of current knowledge on spin-related photogalvanic effects, emphasizing recent developments in topological insulators and Weyl semimetals.

Findings

Analysis of circular photogalvanic effect mechanisms

Discussion of pure spin currents and magneto-gyrotropic photocurrents

Insights into spin-dependent effects in topological materials

Abstract

In this paper we review both theoretical and experimental studies on spin-related photogalvanic effects. A short phenomenological introduction is followed by the discussion of the circular photogalvanic effect, the direct and inverse spin-galvanic effects and the trembling motion of spin-polarized electrons. Then we consider the pure spin currents and magneto-gyrotropic photocurrents. Finally, we discuss the spin-dependent photocurrents in topological insulators and Weyl semimetals.