In a significant stride toward advancing spintronic technologies, researchers have identified a new class of materials that could revolutionize data storage and processing. The study, led by Xiong Xu from the School of Physics at Central South University in China, focuses on antiperovskite compounds and their potential to enhance spin-based recording and information processing.
Spin Hall effect (SHE) is a phenomenon where an electric current flowing through a material generates a spin current perpendicular to the direction of the electric current. This effect is crucial for developing spintronic devices, which use the spin of electrons rather than their charge to carry information. The research team conducted high-throughput calculations on over 4,500 structures of antiperovskite compounds, ultimately screening 295 structurally stable compounds. Among these, 24 compounds exhibited an intrinsic spin Hall conductivity (SHC) exceeding 500 (ℏ/e) (Ω⁻1 cm⁻1), a remarkable achievement in the field.
“The strong dependence of SHC on spin-orbit coupling-induced energy splitting near the Fermi level is a key finding,” Xu explained. “This understanding allows us to regulate SHCs through proper doping of electrons or holes, opening up new avenues for material design.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Spintronic devices promise faster, more efficient data processing with lower power consumption, which is critical for reducing energy usage in data centers and other high-performance computing environments. The development of materials with high SHC could lead to more efficient and scalable spintronic technologies, potentially transforming industries that rely on data storage and processing.
“This work establishes a high-throughput database of SHC in antiperovskites, which is crucial for designing future electric and spintronic devices,” Xu added. The research was published in the journal ‘Materials Genome Engineering Advances,’ which translates to ‘Materials Genome Engineering Progress’ in English.
As the world continues to demand more efficient and powerful computing solutions, the insights from this study could pave the way for next-generation technologies. By leveraging the unique properties of antiperovskite compounds, researchers are one step closer to unlocking the full potential of spintronics, potentially reshaping the landscape of the energy sector and beyond.