Spin-transport in an organic semiconductor without free charge carrier involvement

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that spin-transport in the organic semiconductor Alq3 occurs without involving free charge carriers, challenging the conventional understanding of spin conduction mechanisms in such materials.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence that spin-transport in Alq3 is independent of free charge carriers, suggesting alternative mechanisms for spin conduction in organic semiconductors.

Findings

Spin current was successfully pumped into Alq3.

Inverse spin-Hall effect detected in Pt confirms spin transport.

EPR experiments showed no influence on spin current, indicating non-charge carrier mediated transport.

Abstract

We have experimentally tested the hypothesis of free charge carrier mediated spin-transport in the small molecule organic semiconductor Alq3 at room temperature. A spin current was pumped into this material by pulsed ferromagnetic resonance of an adjacent NiFe layer, while a charge current resulting from this spin current via the inverse spin-Hall effect (ISHE) was detected in a Pt layer adjacent on the other side of the Alq3 layer, confirming a pure spin current through the Alq3 layer. Charge carrier spin states in Alq3, were then randomized by simultaneous application of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). No influence of the EPR excitation on the ISHE current was found, implying that spin-transport is not mediated by free charge-carriers in Alq3.