Enhanced spin-orbit coupling in a heavy metal via molecular coupling

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that depositing C60 molecules on platinum significantly enhances the metal's spin-orbit coupling and related spintronic effects, with potential for tunable magnetic properties via molecular hybridization.

Contribution

It reveals a novel method to enhance and control spin-orbit coupling in heavy metals through molecular interface engineering, supported by experimental and theoretical evidence.

Findings

600% increase in spin Hall magnetoresistance

700% increase in anisotropic magnetoresistance

Density Functional Theory shows 0.46 eV change in SOC

Abstract

Heavy metals are key to spintronics because of their high spin-orbit coupling (SOC) leading to efficient spin conversion and strong magnetic interactions. When C60 is deposited on Pt, the molecular interface is metallised and the spin Hall angle in YIG/Pt increased, leading to an enhancement of up to 600% in the spin Hall magnetoresistance and 700% for the anisotropic magnetoresistance. This correlates with Density Functional Theory simulations showing changes of 0.46 eV/C60 in the SOC of Pt. This effect opens the possibility of gating the molecular hybridisation and SOC of metals.