Tuning spin-orbit coupling in 2D materials for spintronics: a topical review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electronics Engineering

Background:

• Atomically-thin 2D materials possess unique electronic properties driving innovation in electronics.
• Exploiting electron spin and valley degrees of freedom in 2D materials paves the way for spintronics and valleytronics.
• Spintronics offers a potential alternative to conventional charge-based semiconductor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in manipulating spin-orbit coupling within 2D materials.
• To emphasize the importance of spin-orbit coupling for the development of spintronics.
• To provide insights into the progression of 2D material-based spintronic devices.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent experimental and theoretical studies.
• Analysis of techniques used to tune spin-orbit coupling in various 2D materials.
• Synthesis of findings related to spin manipulation and control.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in understanding and controlling spin-orbit coupling in 2D materials.
• Various methods have been explored to enhance or engineer spin-orbit coupling effects.
• These advancements are critical for realizing functional spintronic devices.

Conclusions:

• Tuning spin-orbit coupling in 2D materials is a key enabler for next-generation spintronics.
• Continued research in this area promises to unlock new paradigms in information processing.
• 2D materials are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of electronics.