Dynamic ferromagnetic proximity effect in photoexcited semiconductors

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of spin dynamics in photoexcited semiconductors interfaced with ferromagnets, revealing rapid interactions within tens of picoseconds that influence spin behavior despite equilibrium barriers.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model for the ferromagnetic proximity effect in photoexcited semiconductors and compares it with experimental Faraday rotation data.

Findings

Strong interaction within tens of picoseconds affects spin dynamics

The interface plays a crucial role despite the Schottky barrier

Theoretical results align with experimental observations

Abstract

The spin dynamics of photoexcited carriers in semiconductors in contact with a ferromagnet is treated theoretically and compared with time-dependent Faraday rotation experiments. The long time response of the system is found to be governed by the first tens of picoseconds in which the excited plasma interacts strongly with the intrinsic interface between semiconductor and ferromagnet in spite of the existence of a Schottky barrier in equilibrium.