Physics & Astronomy Colloquium

Speaker: Shufeng Zhang, University of Arizona

Title: Angular momentum transport in Spintronics

Abstract: Spin current describes angular momentum flow. Both charged and neutral particles such as electrons and magnons can serve as spin current carriers. Spin current plays a central role in propagating spin information in spin-based electronics. I will start with describing fundamental differences between charge and spin current, followed by a discussion on various “spin batteries” are used for spin current generation, manipulation and detection in magnetic and non-magnetic layered structure The main focus of the talk is on the recent theoretical and experimental advances in finding novel phenomena associated with the spin current, in particular, how different spin current carries mutually convert at interfaces. Among other things, we have found a hidden jewel: an electrical insulator made of antiferromagnetic materials could be a remarkably efficient “spin conductor”, and thus electrically “dead” materials could be used as essential building blocks in future spin-based technology.

The colloquia will be preceded by light refreshments in GL227 from 3:30 – 3:45p.m.

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