Optically induced spin Hall current in monolayer Janus NbSSe: a first-principles study

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Mechanics

Background:

• Monolayer Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides exhibit unique spin-orbit couplings (SOC).
• These couplings lead to spin splitting effects at critical points in the material's electronic structure.
• Understanding these phenomena is crucial for advanced electronic and spintronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spin-orbit coupling characteristics in metallic Janus Niobium Diselenide (NbSSe).
• To demonstrate the potential of NbSSe for optically controlled spin current generation.
• To explore the selective control of spin current components using polarized light.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations were employed to analyze the electronic and spin properties of NbSSe.
• Symmetry analysis of the system was performed to understand light-matter interactions.
• Simulations explored the generation of spin currents via optical excitation.

Main Results:

• The study identified both Ising- and Rashba-type spin-orbit couplings in monolayer Janus NbSSe.
• Distinct spin splitting effects were observed across a wide energy range.
• Selective generation of spin currents with specific spin components was demonstrated using linearly polarized light.

Conclusions:

• Metallic Janus NbSSe possesses significant spin-orbit coupling properties.
• NbSSe shows great promise for applications in optospintronics.
• The material offers a pathway for developing polarization-tunable spin-current sources for next-generation technologies.