Optical Spin Orientation and Transport in Layered Mono- and Di-chalcogenide Semiconductors

The objective of this research is to advance understanding of the optical orientation and dynamics of spin and spin-analogs in 2D materials. The ability to use light to orient spins and induce spin currents has been a key tool in the study of spintronics in bulk materials. By studying several classes of non-centrosymmetric crystals that are already known to support interesting spin related phenomena, this research program seeks to translate the advantages optical methods of 3D spintronics to reveal novel effects in low dimensions. Going beyond previous work that exploit light to control spin, this research will investigate several unanswered questions, including (i) how does optically-excited spin transport evolve over low-dimensional interfaces, and (ii) can the non-centrosymmetric crystals common in 2D enhance the ability to control optically-induced information? To address these questions, novel device geometries and materials will be exploited to provide favorable landscape for optically orienting and measuring spin phenomena. Achieving these goals will advance understanding of spin transport and optical orientation, thereby creating opportunities for highly tailored low-dimensional opto-electronics.