Enhancing the Circular Polarization of Spin Light-Emitting Diodes by Processing in Selenium Vapor

Spin light-emitting diodes based on InGaAs/GaAs heterostructures with a CoPt ferromagnetic injector were fabricated. It was demonstrated that the processing of these structures in selenium vapor prior to the deposition of a CoPt contact provides an opportunity to enhance the circular polarization degree of diode emission. The observed increase in the polarization degree is attributed to the suppression of spin relaxation at the metal/semiconductor interface due to surface passivation and a reduction in the density of surface electron states as a result of processing in selenium vapor.