Mapping spin transport in solid films by SPLEEM

One of the most exciting areas in physics today is spin-electronics, which is based on tracking the Spin orientation of individual electrons, ,and may even lead to quantum computers or novel quantum encryption technologies. Addressing that fact, we propose the development of a direct method for measuring the dynamics of spin transport in solid materials, which constitutes a crucial prerequisite for these emerging technologies. The basic idea is to split a coherent beam of spin-polarised electrons and to allow the polarisation state of one of the two branches to evolve by spin precession during transport through a magnetised slab of material. The beams are then recombined for interference and the resulting interference pattern is analysed in order to extract information on the polarisation state of the resulting beam. This experiment is going to be conducted using spin- polarised low-energy electron microscopy (SPLEEM). The development of this novel technique of spin interferometry will not only help to test fundamental laws of quantum mechanics but also enable microscopic mapping of spin transport properties of solids. Having the results of this research project at hand, one can start to tackle the next problem, which is the manipulation of spin currents in solids. In that respect, the proposed project will advance modern science one step further on the road to microelectronic devices that function by using the spin of the electron.