Nanosecond spin lifetimes in single- and few-layer graphene-hBN heterostructures at room temperature

Nano Lett. 2014 Nov 12;14(11):6050-5. doi: 10.1021/nl501278c. Epub 2014 Oct 7.

Abstract

We present a new fabrication method of graphene spin-valve devices that yields enhanced spin and charge transport properties by improving both the electrode-to-graphene and graphene-to-substrate interface. First, we prepare Co/MgO spin injection electrodes onto Si(++)/SiO2. Thereafter, we mechanically transfer a graphene-hBN heterostructure onto the prepatterned electrodes. We show that room temperature spin transport in single-, bi-, and trilayer graphene devices exhibit nanosecond spin lifetimes with spin diffusion lengths reaching 10 μm combined with carrier mobilities exceeding 20,000 cm(2)/(V s).

Keywords: Graphene; Hanle precession; boron nitride; spin transport.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't