Strong Spin-Orbit Interaction Induced in Graphene by Monolayer WS$_2$

Abstract

We demonstrate strong anisotropic spin-orbit interaction (SOI) in graphene induced by monolayer WS$_2$. Direct comparison between graphene/monolayer WS$_2$ and graphene/bulk WS$_2$ system in magnetotransport measurements reveals that monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) can induce much stronger SOI than bulk. Detailed theoretical analysis of the weak-antilocalization curves gives an estimated spin-orbit energy ($E_{\rm so}$) higher than 10 meV. The symmetry of the induced SOI is also discussed, and the dominant $z$ $\rightarrow$ $-z$ symmetric SOI can only explain the experimental results. Spin relaxation by the Elliot-Yafet (EY) mechanism and anomalous resistance increase with temperature close to the Dirac point indicates Kane-Mele (KM) SOI induced in graphene.