Strain-tuning of spin anisotropy in single-layer phosphorene: insights from Elliott-Yafet and Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation rates

Abstract

Materials and systems that exhibit persistent spin texture provide a platform for creating robust spin states that can be used in quantum computing, memory storage, and other advanced technological applications. In this paper we show that persistent spin-texture in single-layer phosphorene electrons close to the $\Gamma$ point, subjected to the finite perpendicular electric field, can be achieved by appropriately tuning the extrinsic spin-orbit coupling strength using the tensile strain of about $1.2\%$ in the zigzag direction. This is confirmed by detailed numerical investigations of the effects of strain on the intrinsic and extrinsic spin-orbit coupling, and by the effective spin-orbit Hamiltonian of phosphorene electrons and holes around the $\Gamma$ point, assuming the presence of the perpendicular electric field. Furthermore, the calculated spin relaxation rates due to the Dyakonov-Perel mechanism indicate a giant anisotropy of the in-plane spin, up to $10^5$, which is directly related to the discovered persistent spin texture of phosphorene electrons close to the $\Gamma$ point. %%%%%%%% We also show, that strain can reverse the anisotropy of spin mixing parameter $b^2$ connected to the Elliott-Yafet spin relaxation mechanism which dominates spin relaxation in phosphorene. We find the conditions under which Elliott-Yafet spin lifetime anisotropy can be largely enhanced due to synergy of spin mixing and g-factor anisotropy. %%%%%%%%%% Our results suggest that spin texture in phosphorene can be modulated by strain, enabling its potential usage in the field of spintronics.