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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Generating and probing spin-polarized currents in low-dimensional semiconductor systems

Objective

The proposed research topic belongs to the dynamically evolving field of semiconductor spintronics. In this field one tries to combine magnetic properties of semiconductor materials ('spin') with their versatile electronic properties ('electronics').

Adding the spin degree of freedom to the conventional semiconductor charge-based electronics or using the spin degree of freedom alone will add substantially more capability and performance to electronic products.

The objective of the project is to explore novel schemes of generating and detecting spin-polarized currents in low-dimensional electron systems. This issue is still the fundamental problem in spintronics, as spin injection from metals into semiconductors using ohmic contacts turned out to be inefficient due to the conductivity mismatch problem.

We want to focus on two methods of generating spin-polarized currents. The first one employs the circular photogalvanic effect occurring in two-dimensional systems under illumination. We want to provide an experimental proof that resulting photocurrent is indeed spin-polarized, as predicted by theory.

In the second of discussed methods we plan to use a ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As a spin injector. This way we want to overcome a low degree of spin inject ion into semiconductors achieved so far due to conductivity mismatch problem. The degree of obtained spin polarization will be measured using Quantum Point Contacts formed within a two-dimensional electron gas.

We believe that the project will contribute to the progress in the field and will advance the spintronics expertise within the EU, increasing its scientific competitiveness. Simultaneously it will provide the researcher with the advanced training in spintronics-related research and prepare him to the independent research career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships

Coordinator

UNIVERSITÄT REGENSBURG
EU contribution
No data
Total cost
No data