Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 2D-OPTOSPIN (Spins in two-dimensional materials for tunable magnetic and optoelectronic devices)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-01-01 bis 2025-06-30
The fast development of modern information technology requires smaller devices consuming less energy. Magnetism provides an excellent route for energy-efficient devices, such as hard-disk drives, but they are often slow. Moreover, magnetic information has to be converted into electric currents for it to be transmitted, leading to more power consumption.
In this project we will use atomically-thin two-dimensional materials to combine highly-efficient magnetic devices with optical communication. Specifically, we will integrate magnetic devices with a laser that can convert magnetic information into optical information, i.e. light polarization. This project will pave the way for new generations of information technologies, addressing fundamental aspects along the way.
In this project we will use atomically-thin two-dimensional materials to combine highly-efficient magnetic devices with optical communication. Specifically, we will integrate magnetic devices with a laser that can convert magnetic information into optical information, i.e. light polarization. This project will pave the way for new generations of information technologies, addressing fundamental aspects along the way.
We have been actively studying the spin dynamics in two-dimensional semiconductors and further developing the use of two-dimensional materials for spin-torque applications. We have achieved optical and electrical control over two-dimensional magnetic materials [Hendriks, et al., Nature Communications 15, 1298 (2024)], demonstrating how one can control the magnetization and its dynamics optically. This is highly relevant for the integration of two-dimensional magnetic materials in photonic circuits, making them good candidates for photonic memory devices. Additionally, we have demonstrated an enhancement of the spin signals in nonlocal magnon devices using the orbital angular momentum of the electron [Mendoza-Rodarte, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 226704 (2024)]. This shows us an avenue for boosting the spintronic properties of system by exploiting the orbital degree-of-freedom of carriers, in addition to their spin.
If successful, 2D-OPTOSPIN will demonstrate the potential of two-dimensional materials for the integration of photonics, spintronics and electronics, using a single material platform. Due to the ever increasing speed of device miniaturization, these materials should provide the ideal platform for this fields since they maintain their excellent optical, magnetic and electronic properties down to the atomic-thickness.