The field of spintronics has seen a significant breakthrough with the collaboration between research staff from the Charles University of Prague, the CFM (CSIC-UPV/EHU) center in San Sebastian, and CIC nanoGUNE’s Nanodevices group. This collaboration has resulted in the design of a new complex material with emerging properties that could revolutionize electronic devices.
Two-dimensional materials have garnered attention in recent years due to their unique characteristics. When two layers of these materials are stacked to form a heterostructure, new effects are produced that are not present in individual layers. Researchers have discovered that even minute rotations of these layers can drastically alter the properties of the heterostructure.
The study conducted by the Nanodevices group at nanoGUNE focused on the stacking of two layers of graphene and tungsten selenide (WSe2). By precisely rotating the two layers at a specific angle, the researchers were able to generate a spin current in a desired direction, a phenomenon that has significant implications for spintronics.
Spintronics faces challenges in efficiently manipulating spin currents, which are crucial for storing and transferring information. However, the recent discovery suggests that these limitations can be overcome by using suitable materials and manipulating their orientation. The “magic” twist applied to the stacked layers unlocks new spin-related properties that were previously unattainable.
The results of this research, published in Nature Materials, hold promise for the development of novel, more efficient, and advanced electronic devices. Integrating magnetic memories into processors could become more seamless with the newfound understanding of spin currents and their manipulation in complex materials.
The collaborative effort between research institutions has led to a groundbreaking discovery in the field of spintronics. By exploring the potential of two-dimensional materials and heterostructures, researchers have uncovered novel properties that could shape the future of electronic devices. This study highlights the importance of innovative approaches in materials science and opens up a realm of possibilities for further research in spintronics.
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