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Title: Temperature dependence of the spin relaxation in highly degenerate ZnO thin films

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4913287· OSTI ID:22413157
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 (United States)

Zinc oxide is considered a potential candidate for fabricating next-generation transparent spintronic devices. However, before this can be achieved, a thorough scientific understanding of the various spin transport and relaxation processes undergone in this material is essential. In the present paper, we are reporting our investigations into these processes via temperature dependent Hanle experiments. ZnO thin films were deposited on c-axis sapphire substrates using a pulsed laser deposition technique. Careful structural, optical, and electrical characterizations of the films were performed. Temperature dependent non-local Hanle measurements were carried out using an all-electrical scheme for spin injection and detection over the temperature range of 20–300 K. From the Hanle data, spin relaxation time in the films was determined at different temperatures. A detailed analysis of the data showed that the temperature dependence of spin relaxation time follows the linear-in-momentum Dyakonov-Perel mechanism.

OSTI ID:
22413157
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 117, Issue 8; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English