1. Spin-momentum locking induced non-local voltage in topological insulator nanowire
- Author
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Chen, Jen-Ru, Tse, Pok-Lam, Krivorotov, Ilya N., and Lu, Jia G
- Subjects
Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics - Abstract
The momentum and spin of charge carriers in the topological insulators are constrained to be perpendicular to each other due to the strong spin-orbit coupling. We have investigated this unique spin-momentum locking property in Sb2Te3 topological insulator nanowires by injecting spin-polarized electrons through magnetic tunnel junction electrodes. Non-local voltage measurements exhibit a symmetry with respect to the magnetic field applied perpendicular to the nanowire channel, which is remarkably different from that of a non-local measurement in a channel that lacks spin-momentum locking. In stark contrast to conventional non-local spin valves, simultaneous reversal of magnetic moments of all magnetic contacts to the Sb2Te3 nanowire alters the non-local voltage. This unusual symmetry is a clear signature of the spin-momentum locking in the Sb2Te3 nanowire surface states., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures
- Published
- 2020