Optical studies of spin precession in magnetic two-dimensional electron gases

J. M. Kikkawa, I. P. Smorchkova, N. Samarth, D. D. Awschalom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Magnetic two-dimensional electron gases are studied using time-resolved Kerr and Faraday rotation spectroscopy in the Voigt geometry. The data directly reveal both electron and Mn spin precession in modest transverse fields. Scattering by Mn ions dominates the electron spin relaxation processes in these materials, and prevents the electron gas from acquiring a long-lived spin polarization as observed in non-magnetic structures. Nonetheless, a persistent Mn spin polarization occurs which creates a oscillating magnetic field within the electron gas for hundreds of picoseconds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)394-398
Number of pages5
JournalPhysica E: Low-Dimensional Systems and Nanostructures
Volume2
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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