Spin light-emitting devices in a 2D magnet

TL;DR

This paper reports the development of a prototype spin-LED using a 2D magnetic semiconductor, demonstrating controllable electroluminescence via spin transitions, advancing the field of 2D opto-spintronic devices.

Contribution

The first realization of a spin-LED integrated with a 2D semiconducting magnet, showing controllable EL through spin-flip and spin-canting transitions, and highlighting the potential for integrated 2D opto-spintronics.

Findings

Electroluminescence observed down to bilayer CrSBr

EL manipulated by spin-flip and spin-canting transitions

Hysteretic and anisotropic EL behaviors

Abstract

Emerging two-dimensional (2D) magnetic semiconductors represent transformative platforms to explore magneto-optics and opto-spintronic applications. Though 2D opto-spintronics has attracted tremendous research efforts in spin-dependent photodetectors and non-volatile memory components, the realization of one core application - spin-modulated light-emitting device (spin-LED) - remains elusive so far. Here we successfully realize prototype spin-LED integrated with a 2D semiconducting magnet CrSBr, demonstrating considerable electroluminescence (EL) down to bilayers. Intriguingly, the EL of the spin-LED is discovered to be directly manipulated by spin-flip and spin-canting transitions. Notably, spin-flip transitions enable unprecedented hysteretic behaviors of EL characteristics, while spin-canting transitions induce EL continuous modulation with robust anisotropy. This versatile manipulation is originated from the synergy of magnetic-order mediated excitonic transitions and spintronic transport. The prototype demonstration of spin-LED establishes an indispensable scheme of opto-spintronic devices leveraging 2D spin transitions and strong excitonic effects, presenting a critical step towards integrated 2D opto-spintronics.