Spatiotemporal Spin Noise Spectroscopy.

We report on the potential of a new spin noise spectroscopy approach by demonstrating all-optical probing of spatiotemporal spin fluctuations. This is achieved by homodyne mixing of a spatially phase-modulated local oscillator with spin-flip scattered light, from which the frequency and wave vector dependence of the spin noise power is unveiled. As a first application of the method we measure the spatiotemporal spin noise in weakly n-doped CdTe layers, from which the electron spin diffusion constant and spin relaxation rates are determined.

Quantum limited heterodyne detection of spin noise.

Spin noise spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying spin relaxation in semiconductors. In this article, we propose an extension of this technique based on optical heterodyne detection of spin noise, which provides several key advantages compared to conventional spin noise spectroscopy: detection of high frequency spin noise not limited by detector bandwidth or sampling rates of digitizers, quantum limited sensitivity even in case of very weak probe power, and possible amplification of the spin noise signal. Heterodyne detection of spin noise is demonstrated on insulating n-doped GaAs.

Atomic-like spin noise in solid-state demonstrated with manganese in cadmium telluride.

Spin noise spectroscopy is an optical technique which can probe spin resonances non-perturbatively. First applied to atomic vapours, it revealed detailed information about nuclear magnetism and the hyperfine interaction. In solids, this approach has been limited to carriers in semiconductor heterostructures.

Nondestructive measurement of nuclear magnetization by off-resonant Faraday rotation.

We report on the nondestructive measurement of nuclear magnetization in n-GaAs via cavity enhanced Faraday rotation. In contrast with the existing optical methods, this detection scheme does not require the presence of detrimental out-of-equilibrium electrons. Specific mechanisms of the Faraday rotation are identified for (i) nuclear spins situated within the localized electron orbits, these spins are characterized by fast dynamics, (ii) all other nuclear spins in the sample characterized by much slower dynamics.

Optical pump-probe detection of manganese hyperfine beats in (Cd,Mn)Te crystals.

Optical pump-probe experiments reveal spin beats of manganese ions in (Cd,Mn)Te, due to hyperfine and crystal fields. At "magic" orientations of the magnetic field, the effect of local crystal field is strongly suppressed. In this case, the spin precession of Mn(2+) embedded in the lattice approaches the precession expected for the free ion.