Spin the Spin: Observation of Spin-orbit Effects with Spin Rotation Symmetry

The spin-orbit effect (SOE), including the spin Hall effect in the bulk of a nonmagnetic film and the Rashba-Edelstein effect at the interface between dissimilar films, enables interconversion between a charge current and a spin current. It is usually believed that the symmetry of these SOEs requires that the spin current, charge current and spin polarization are all orthogonal to each other. Here we show the observation of SOEs near a nonmagnet/ferromagnet interface that exhibits a different symmetry, such that the spin polarization is rotated about the magnetization. We will discuss the implications of our observations on the fundamental understanding of the spin-orbit effects, as well as on the potential application in spin-orbit torque based magnetic memories.

For furthur information please contact Mark Stiles, 301-975-3745, mark.stiles [at] nist.gov (subject: CNST%20Electron%20Physics%20Group%20Seminar) (mark[dot]stiles[at]nist[dot]gov)