Orbitronics in Two-dimensional Materials

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in orbitronics within two-dimensional materials, emphasizing how orbital angular momentum control offers new opportunities for electronic applications without relying on spin-orbit coupling.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles, recent progress, and future directions in orbitronics specifically focused on two-dimensional materials.

Findings

Orbital angular momentum can be generated and transported in 2D materials.

Orbitronic phenomena are enhanced by the unique properties of 2D materials.

The review clarifies experimental challenges related to valley transport and orbital dynamics.

Abstract

Orbitronics explores the control and manipulation of electronic orbital angular momentum in solid-state systems, opening new pathways for information processing and storage. One significant advantage of orbitronics over spintronics is that it does not rely on spin-orbit coupling, thereby broadening the range of non-magnetic materials that can be utilized for these applications. It also introduces new topological features related to electronic orbital angular momentum, and clarifies some long-standing challenges in understanding experiments that rely on the conventional concept of valley transport. This review highlights recent advances in orbitronics, particularly in relation to two-dimensional materials. We examine the fundamental principles underlying the generation, transport, and dynamics of orbital angular momentum to illustrate how the unique properties of two-dimensional materials can promote orbitronic phenomena. We also outline potential future research directions and address some outstanding questions in this field.