The art of sp↑n electron↓cs

Abstract

A brief history is given of the nascent field of spin electronics in which the ability to differentially manipulate up- and down-spin current carriers is exploited. We discuss the impending marriage of spin-dependent effects with semiconductor technology and, in particular, the exploitation of spin-dependent transport in the semiconductors themselves. In this connection, preliminary experiments are described which explore spin transport in ion-implanted silicon. We conclude by evaluating various potential applications of the devices made possible by this exciting new development in electronic technology.