Hanle effect in transport through single atoms in spin-polarized STM

Abstract

Following recent achievements in quantum-coherent manipulation and detection of individual atomic spins with the use of spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscope, we propose how to observe and utilize the Hanle effect in electronic transport in such setups. We show that the Hanle experiment can be used to observe the single spin precession driven by the intrinsic exchange field. This field is a result of virtual particle exchange processes, and its magnitude and sign can be controlled electrically. We also show that from detailed analysis of the Hanle resonance curve one can determine the spin relaxation time from dc current measurements.