Spin injection nanodevices

After the scientific discovery and successive commercial application of giant-magnetoresistive spin valves, and more recently magnetic tunneljunctions, spintronics is presently about to enter a new era. Rather than just using spintronic devices as passive switches or field sensors, completely new applications are envisioned for active spin-injection devices. An introduction on spin-injection into metals and semiconductors, both electrically and optically, will be provided. After discussing different device concepts, some activities at TU/e will be highlighted. The mergence of the field of magneto-electronic devices with that of semiconductor electronics has recently made researchers to speculate on a possible incorporation of organic materials in spintronic devices. Its advantages and some first attempts towards such molecular spintronics will be commented.