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Since the first evidence of a global polarization of Λ hyperons in relativistic nuclear collisions in 2017, spin has opened a new window in the field, both at experimental and theoretical level, and an exciting perspective. The current state of the field is reviewed with regard to the theoretical understanding of the data, reporting on the most recent achievements and envisioning possible developments. The intriguing connections of spin physics in relativistic matter with fundamental questions in quantum field theory and applications in the non-relativistic domain are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the symmetry of spin transport in graphene with the Rashba spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and the staggered potential, which can be produced by depositing the graphene on a transition-metal dichalcogenides substrate. The results show that all three spin polarization components along the x , y and z directions are achieved with a measurable conductance in such a nonmagnetic graphene. The spin transport property near the two valleys is discussed in the light of the symmetry of the system. Both conductance and spin polarization present some certain symmetries with respect to the Rashba SOC (RSOC) and staggered potential. The system could work as a valley-spin polarization transverter which combines valleytronics and spintronics. Furthermore, the asymmetric Fano–Rashba resonance of the conductance and spin polarization could occur in a resonant structure due to interference of spin-polarized discrete and continuum states induced by the RSOC. The Fano–Rashba resonance can be effectively controlled by the gate voltage. The derived symmetry relations and numerical results could provide a guideline for the design of spin-valley-based devices.

This paper investigates the spin characteristics of photoelectrons when hydrogen-like ions are centro-symmetrically irradiated with converging vector waves—a non-paraxial form of structured light. For a photon with given total angular momentum and third component thereof, photoelectrons with both helicities are obtained—in contrast to the fixed helicities produced by left- or right-circularly polarized light. The angular distribution of photoelectrons is broadly tunable through the radiation mode numbers, and opposite helicities can be extracted in synchronism.