Stray-field-induced modification of coherent spin dynamics

Abstract

Electron spins in an InGaAs semiconductor quantum well are used as a magnetometer of magnetic stray fields from patterned Fe stripes. Using time-resolved Faraday rotation, the coherent precession of quantum-well spins in the inhomogeneous field below the Fe stripes is measured for varying magnetic fields. Comparing with reference stripes made of Au, we find an enhancement of the spin precession frequency proportional to the Fe magnetization, in line with a decrease of the spin decay time, which is attributed to the inhomogeneous magnetic stray field in the quantum-well layer. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.