Spin transport and manipulation in GaAs quantum wells using surface acoustic waves

• Applicant: Dr. Paulo V. Santos
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 41754965

This projects addresses the long-range (≥ 100 μm) transport and manipulation of photo-excited spins at high temperatures (up to room temperatures (RT)) in (In,Ga)As (110) quantum wells (QW) inserted in microcavity structures. This goal will be achieved by combining (i) the special symmetry of III-V (110) and (111) QWs with (ii) the controlled ambipolar charge transport by the piezoelectric field of surface acoustic waves in narrow channels, and (iii) the use of magnetic and electric gates for spin manipulation. In the two first phases of the project, we have demonstrated spin transport and manipulation at temperatures exceeding liquid nitrogen temperatures. In this last phase, emphasis will be placed on electrical gates for spin control through the spin-orbit interaction. Besides the basic understanding of the spin dynamics, the new concepts introduced here will open new perspectives for applications of spintronics in optical telecommunication.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1285: Semiconductor Spintronics
• Participating Person: Dr. Rudolf Hey