Current induced electron spin polarization in strained semiconductors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that electrical currents can induce and control electron spin polarization in strained semiconductors, offering a potential spin source for spintronic devices without magnetic materials.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence and characterization of current-induced electron spin polarization in strained semiconductors using optical and electrical techniques.

Findings

Electrical current induces measurable spin polarization.

Spin lifetime and orientation can be characterized electrically.

Current pulses influence spin dynamics and polarization.

Abstract

The polarization of conduction electron spins due to an electrical current is observed in strained nonmagnetic semiconductors using static and time-resolved Faraday rotation. The density, lifetime, and orientation rate of the electrically-polarized spins are characterized by a combination of optical and electrical methods. In addition, the dynamics of the current-induced spins are investigated by utilizing electrical pulses generated from a photoconductive switch. These results demonstrate the possibility of a spin source for semiconductor spintronic devices without the use of magnetic materials.