Spin-polarized tunable photocurrents

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how laser illumination can generate and control spin-polarized photocurrents in topological materials by selectively disrupting edge states based on their spin, enabling new spintronic device functionalities.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework combining Floquet scattering theory and atomistic models to show spin-dependent control of topological edge states under laser illumination.

Findings

Laser light can generate pure spin currents.

Circularly polarized light induces spin-polarized charge currents.

Selective disruption of topological edge states depends on their spin.

Abstract

Harnessing the unique features of topological materials for the development of a new generation of topological based devices is a challenge of paramount importance. Using Floquet scattering theory combined with atomistic models we study the interplay between laser illumination, spin and topology in a two-dimensional material with spin-orbit coupling. Starting from a topological phase, we show how laser illumination can selectively disrupt the topological edge states depending on their spin. This is manifested by the generation of pure spin currents and spin-polarized charge photocurrents under linearly and circularly polarized laser-illumination, respectively. Our results open a path for the generation and control of spin-polarized photocurrents.