Swapping Exchange and Spin-Orbit Coupling in 2D van der Waals Heterostructures

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Spin interactions, specifically exchange and spin-orbit coupling, are fundamental to spintronics.
• Controlling these interactions independently is crucial for developing novel electronic devices.
• Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures offer unique platforms for exploring exotic quantum phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a concept for swapping exchange and spin-orbit coupling interactions.
• To design a single device capable of both generating and switching these spin interactions.
• To explore the potential of van der Waals heterostructures in advanced spintronics engineering.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing realistic ab initio simulations.
• Designing a specific van der Waals heterostructure: bilayer graphene sandwiched by Cr2Ge2Te6 (CGT) and monolayer WS2.
• Investigating the role of gate-dependent layer polarization and proximity effects.

Main Results:

• A single device can effectively generate and swap exchange and spin-orbit coupling.
• The swapping mechanism relies on the interplay between gate-controlled graphene polarization and proximity-induced effects.
• The proposed 'ex-so-tic' structures are bifunctional, tunable by gating.

Conclusions:

• Van der Waals heterostructures provide a powerful platform for engineering spin interactions.
• The developed 'ex-so-tic' devices offer a novel approach to controlling spin phenomena.
• This work highlights the potential of 2D materials for next-generation spintronic applications.