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Spin routes in organic semiconductors

Nature Materials volume 8, pages 707–716 (2009)Cite this article

A Corrigendum to this article was published on 11 September 2009

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Abstract

Organic semiconductors are characterized by a very low spin–orbit interaction, which, together with their chemical flexibility and relatively low production costs, makes them an ideal materials system for spintronics applications. The first experiments on spin injection and transport occurred only a few years ago, and since then considerable progress has been made in improving performance as well as in understanding the mechanisms affecting spin-related phenomena. Nevertheless, several challenges remain in both device performance and fundamental understanding before organic semiconductors can compete with inorganic semiconductors or metals in the development of realistic spintronics applications. In this article we summarize the main experimental results and their connections with devices such as light-emitting diodes and electronic memory devices, and we outline the scientific and technological issues that make organic spintronics a young but exciting field.

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Figure 1: Organic spintronic devices.
Figure 2: Magnetoresistance of LSMO/Co vertical OSPDs.
Figure 3: Tunnelling MR.
Figure 4: Non-electrical spin-injection experiments.
Figure 5: Spin-OLED.

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Change history

  • 11 September 2009

    In Table 1 of the version of this Progress Article originally published, the structures for poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RRP3HT), tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), pentacene, rubrene and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) were incorrect. These errors have been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from EU-FP6-STRP 033370 OFSPIN and Organic Spintronics Srl for partial financial support.

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  1. ISMN-CNR, via Gobetti 101, Bologna, 40129, Italy

    V. Alek Dediu, Ilaria Bergenti & Carlo Taliani

  2. CIC nanoGUNE Consolider, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, E-20018 Donostia - San Sebastian and IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, E-48011, Spain

    Luis E. Hueso

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Correspondence to V. Alek Dediu.

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Dediu, V., Hueso, L., Bergenti, I. et al. Spin routes in organic semiconductors. Nature Mater 8, 707–716 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2510

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