Electron spin dynamics in cubic GaN

Electron spin relaxation in bulk cubic GaN is investigated by time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopy over a wide range of temperatures, external magnetic fields, and doping densities. Very long spin relaxation times in the nanosecond range are found even up to room temperature, making cubic GaN a highly interesting material for spintronics. These results on a system with relatively weak spin-orbit coupling differ significantly from previous results for bulk III-V semiconductors such as GaAs. There are several possible reasons for the observed discrepancy, including the role of charged dislocations and a phase mixture of cubic GaN with inclusions of hexagonal GaN. Spin relaxation in such disordered materials is still poorly understood, and so this work should stimulate further research on this relevant topic.