Researchers show how to create spin-valley half-metals

Researchers from Russia and Japan have shown, theoretically, that it is possible to create a new class of materials: spin-valley half-metals. These kind of devices could enable both spintronics valleytronics applications.

In "regular" half-metals, all the electrons that participate in electric currents have the same spin - and so the current is always spin-polarized. These materials have interesting applications for spintronics devices. In the new class of materials now proven theoretically to be possible, there are two valleys present - one providing electrons, one providing holes.

Posted: Sep 17,2017 by Ron Mertens