Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents

Details Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents

2011-02-09

arxiv.org/abs/1102.1784v1

Nat. Phys. 6, 875 (2010)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

19 pages, 3 figures, supplementary discussion added

Scientific paper

10.1038/nphys1742

Extensive efforts are currently being devoted to developing a new electronic technology, called spintronics, where the spin of electrons is explored to carry information. [1,2] Several techniques have been developed to generate pure spin currents in many materials and structures. [3-10] However, there is still no method available that can be used to directly detect pure spin currents, which carry no net charge current and no net magnetization. Currently, studies of pure spin currents rely on measuring the induced spin accumulation with optical techniques [5, 11-13] or spin-valve configurations. [14-17] However, the spin accumulation does not directly reflect the spatial distribution or temporal dynamics of the pure spin current, and therefore cannot monitor the pure spin current in a real-time and real-space fashion. This imposes severe constraints on research in this field. Here we demonstrate a second-order nonlinear optical effect of the pure spin current. We show that such a nonlinear optical effect, which has never been explored before, can be used for the non-invasive, non-destructive, and real-time imaging of pure spin currents. Since this detection scheme does not rely on optical resonances, it can be generally applied in a wide range of materials with different electronic bandstructures. Furthermore, the control of nonlinear optical properties of materials with pure spin currents may have potential applications in photonics integrated with spintronics.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-649920