Spin-dependent quantum interference in nonlocal graphene spin valves.

Abstract

Up to date, all spin transport experiments on graphene were done in a semiclassical regime, disregarding quantum transport properties such as phase coherence and interference. Here we show that in a quantum coherent graphene nanostructure the nonlocal voltage is strongly modulated. Using nonlocal measurements, we separate the signal in spin-dependent and spin-independent contributions. We show that the spin-dependent contribution is about 2 orders of magnitude larger than the spin-independent one, when corrected for the finite polarization of the electrodes. The nonlocal spin signal is not only strongly modulated but also changes polarity as a function of the applied gate voltage. By locally tuning the carrier density in the constriction via a side gate electrode we show that the constriction plays a major role in this effect. Our results show the potential of quantum coherent graphene nanostructures for the use in future spintronic devices.