Proximity-induced magnetism and spin transport in graphene/magnetic oxide heterostructure interfaces

Objective

Although graphene is known for its superlative electronic properties, it is intrinsically characterized by weak spin-orbit coupling and paramagnetic nature at low temperature. We propose to circumvent this issue by combining graphene with transition metal magnetic oxides (graphene/MO) in a unique series of artificially layered heterostructures. The presence of the magnetic oxide layer will allow us to investigate proximity induced magnetism and anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in graphene due to the presence of high order d-orbitals and ensuing charge transfer induced hybridization. To that aim, perovskite manganate oxides will be initially investigated and then extended to cobalt or magnesium-based ferrites for room temperature applicability. Finally, we aim at fabricating novel graphene/MO-based heterostructure spin devices to test their feasibility for spin transport applications.