Scientific Achievement
We have investigated spin-to-charge conversion effect in magnetic Weyl semimetals. We predict that spin injection into the semimetal induces a charge current that depends strongly on the topological properties of the semimetal.
Significance and Impact
The research shows how the unique topological band structure of magnetic Weyl semimetals affects spin-to-charge conversion. This relation leads to novel means to manipulate the effect, and can be exploited in potential applications in quantum materials.
Research Details
- The nonequilibrium electron distribution due to the spin injection is obtained by analytically solving the scattering problem of electrons near the interface of a normal metal/Weyl semimetal bilayer, which leads to a charge current.
- The induced charge current is calculated numerically, and its dependencies on various experimentally controllable parameters are determined.
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science.