Optical and electrical spin injection and spin transport in hybrid Fe/GaAs devices

TL;DR

This paper explores methods for imaging and analyzing spin polarization in Fe/GaAs devices using optical and electrical techniques, revealing insights into spin transport dynamics and the effects of strain.

Contribution

It introduces combined optical and electrical methods for imaging and detecting spin polarization in Fe/GaAs devices, advancing understanding of spin transport mechanisms.

Findings

Optical and electrical spin injection methods are demonstrated.

Electrical detection of optically-injected spins is achieved.

Strain influences spin transport behavior.

Abstract

We discuss methods for imaging the nonequilibrium spin polarization of electrons in Fe/GaAs spin transport devices. Both optically- and electrically-injected spin distributions are studied by scanning magneto-optical Kerr rotation microscopy. Related methods are used to demonstrate electrical spin detection of optically-injected spin polarized currents. Dynamical properties of spin transport are inferred from studies based on the Hanle effect, and the influence of strain on spin transport data in these devices is discussed.