Local Definition of Spin Polarization in a Semiconductor by Micro-scale Current Loops

Abstract

We present an approach to electrical control of the spin polarization in a diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) structure. A variable magnetic field induced by a micro-scale current loop magnetizes the Mn2+ ions in a CdMnTe/CdMgTe DMS quantum well, which via the sp-d exchange interaction polarizes photo-generated electron-hole pairs confined in the well. A maximum spin polarization degree of ±8.5% is obtained at 4.2 K without external magnetic field. The current-induced magnetic field and the current-generated heating of the spin system are quantitatively extracted by micro magneto-luminescence measurements.