• Graphene proximitized with PdSe2 shows anisotropic spin-orbit coupling.
• Spin lifetime can be modulated tenfold at room temperature.
• The findings have implications for spintronics and magnetic device development.

A research article in Nature Materials describes the anisotropic spin transport observed in graphene when it is placed in proximity with pentagonal palladium diselenide (PdSe2). This arrangement results in a gate-tunable spin-orbit coupling, leading to a significant tenfold modulation of spin lifetime even at room temperature. This finding could have substantial implications for advancements in spintronics and magnetic devices.

• What: Anisotropic spin transport observed in graphene proximitized with PdSe2, resulting in gate-tunable spin-orbit coupling.
• Who: Yunqiu Kelly Luo (University of Southern California) is the corresponding author, with affiliations in Physics and Astronomy, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Chemistry.
• When: Published online: 02 May 2025
• Where: Research conducted at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

The research demonstrates a significant advancement in the field of spintronics by utilizing a graphene-PdSe2 heterostructure. The anisotropic spin-orbit coupling and the ability to modulate spin lifetime at room temperature open new avenues for designing more efficient and versatile spintronic devices. The gate-tunability adds another layer of control, making this system promising for future technological applications.

The study of graphene in proximity with PdSe2 reveals promising properties for spintronic applications, particularly the tenfold modulation of spin lifetime at room temperature. Further research is likely to explore the optimization and application of this heterostructure in advanced electronic devices. The future looks bright for this tech. The full article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-025-02231-9