Spintronics: A Primer

A sound understanding of magnetism, transport theory, spin relaxation mechanisms, and magnetization dynamics is necessary to engage in spintronics research. In this primer, special effort has been made to give straightforward explanations for these advanced concepts. This book will be a valuable resource for graduate students in spintronics and related fields. Concepts of magnetism such as exchange interaction, spin-orbit coupling, spin canting, and magnetic anisotropy are introduced. Spin-dependent transport is described using both thermodynamics and Boltzmann’s equation, including Berry curvature corrections. Spin relaxation phenomenology is accounted for with master equations for quantum spin systems coupled to a bath. Magnetic resonance principles are applied to describe spin waves in ferromagnets, cavity-mode coupling in antiferromagnets, and coherence phenomena relevant to spin qubits applications. Key Features: • A pedagogical approach to foundational concepts in spintronics with simple models that can be calculated to enhance understanding. • Nineteen chapters, each beginning with a historical perspective and ending with an outlook on current research. • 1200 references, ranging from landmark papers to frontline publications.