The study of organic semiconductor/ferromagnet interfaces in organic spintronics: A short review of recent progress

Abstract

An overview is given on recent results in organic spintronic research. In particular, so-called spinterfaces, spin-injecting interfaces involving organic semiconductor (OSC) molecules and ferromagnetic metals, are discussed. The interfaces are classified in different categories depending on the type and strength of interface interaction and the relevant physics concerning energy level alignment and spin polarization of interface states are explained. Examples are given on characterization of both interface energetics and spin-related properties obtained from a wide variety of experimental techniques, highlighting the different ways contacting can modify the electronic and magnetic properties of the OSC molecules and the ferromagnetic metals at the resulting spinterfaces. Finally, models for spin injection at spinterfaces are presented and discussed, followed by some speculations on consequences for device design and performance. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.