Spin relaxation related to edge scattering in graphene

Abstract

We discuss the role of spin-flip scattering of electrons from the magnetized edges in graphene nanoribbons. The spin-flip scattering is associated with strong fluctuations of the magnetic moments at the edge. Using the Boltzmann equation approach, which is valid for not too narrow nanoribbons, we calculate the spin-relaxation time in the case of Berry-Mondragon and zigzag graphene edges. We also consider the case of ballistic nanoribbons characterized by very long momentum relaxation time in the bulk, when the main source of momentum and spin relaxation is the spin-dependent scattering at the edges. We found that in the case of zigzag edges, an anomalous spin diffusion is possible, which is related to very weak spin-flip scattering of electrons gliding along the nanoribbon edge. © 2014 American Physical Society.