Controlling ultrafast spin dynamics in two-dimensional materials via mechanical strain and proximal excitations (B08)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 328545488

We investigate the ultrafast dynamics in two-dimensional semiconductors, two-dimensional magnets and their heterostructures under the influence of mechanical strain and proximal excitations. In the first work package, we develop techniques to induce large (>2%) static or dynamic mechanic strain. We use strained devices to study spin/valley scattering, to dynamically switch magnetic states, and to investigate phonon/magnon coupling. In the second work package, we use transient excitation of one material of a TMDC/2D magnet heterostructure to affect spins/magnetization in the adjacent material. We study demagnetization, spin injection and magnons in 2D magnets as well as the properties of time-dependent exchange fields. Our long-term vision is to achieve ultrafast control of magnetism at the nanoscale using different 2D materials as building blocks providing different spintronic functionalities.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 227: Ultrafast Spin Dynamics
• Major Instrumentation: Optical cryostat with SC magnet
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Kirill Bolotin; Dr. Cornelius Gahl, until 12/2021