Spintronics for electrical measurement of light polarization

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical method to electrically detect the polarization of circularly polarized light by measuring spin polarization in a semiconductor using ferromagnet/semiconductor Schottky barriers, enabling time-resolved spin detection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel electrical detection scheme for light helicity via spin polarization measurement in semiconductors, with potential for device applications.

Findings

Theoretical demonstration of spin detection using ferromagnet/semiconductor barriers.

Potential for time-resolved measurement of spin accumulation.

Application in light polarization measurement devices.

Abstract

The helicity of a circularly polarized light beam may be determined by the spin direction of photo-excited electrons in a III-V semiconductor. We present a theoretical demonstration how the direction of the ensuing electron spin polarization may be determined by electrical means of two ferromagnet/semiconductor Schottky barriers. The proposed scheme allows for time-resolved detection of spin accumulation in small structures and may have a device application.