Strong spin-orbit coupling, resulting in the formation of spin-momentum-locked surface states, endows topological insulators with superior spin-to-charge conversion characteristics, though the dynamics that govern it have remained elusive. Here, an all-optical method is presented, which enables unprecedented tracking of the ultrafast dynamics of spin-to-charge conversion in a prototypical topological insulator Bi2 Se3 /ferromagnetic Co heterostructure, down to the sub-picosecond timescale. Compared to pure Bi2 Se3 or Co, a giant terahertz emission is observed in the heterostructure that originates from spin-to-charge conversion, in which the topological surface states play a crucial role. A 0.12 ps timescale is identified that sets a technological speed limit of spin-to-charge conversion processes in topological insulators. In addition, it is shown that the spin-to-charge conversion efficiency is temperature independent in Bi2 Se3 as expected from the nature of the surface states, paving the way for designing next-generation high-speed optospintronic devices based on topological insulators at room temperature.
Keywords: spin-to-charge conversion; spintronics; surface states; terahertz emission spectroscopy; topological insulators.
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