Graphene enables magnet-free spin transport, boosting quantum devices

Researchers have successfully generated and detected spin currents in graphene without external magnetic fields, a breakthrough with potential for next-generation quantum devices. This achievement, a first, utilizes a layered magnetic material to induce and control spin currents in graphene, overcoming a previous reliance on strong magnetic fields for this effect. The discovery could lead to ultrathin, energy-efficient circuits based on electron spin. The team observed both the quantum spin Hall effect and an anomalous Hall effect, opening possibilities for quantum spintronic circuits, though the quantum effect currently requires very low temperatures.