Spin-to-Charge Conversion in Magnetic Weyl Semimetals

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Weyl semimetals (WSM) are novel quantum materials exhibiting exotic transport phenomena like the chiral magnetic effect.
• Understanding spin-to-charge conversion is crucial for developing advanced spintronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate spin-to-charge conversion in a magnetic WSM and normal metal (NM) bilayer.
• To elucidate the unique characteristics and underlying mechanisms of spin-to-charge conversion in WSM-based heterostructures.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of spin current injection at the interface of a magnetic WSM and NM.
• Analysis of the induced charge current and its dependence on material properties and spin orientation.

Main Results:

• A peculiar anisotropy in the induced charge current was observed, vanishing along the magnetic WSM's magnetization direction.
• This anisotropy is attributed to the unique band structure of magnetic WSMs, differentiating it from other material systems.
• The induced current is strongly dependent on injected spin orientation, Fermi level position, and Weyl node separation.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a novel spin-to-charge conversion mechanism in magnetic WSM-NM bilayers with unique anisotropic properties.
• The findings offer new avenues for controlling and manipulating spin-charge conversion in topological quantum materials for spintronic applications.