title: Spin-orbit-mediated spin relaxation in graphene.
abstract: We investigate how spins relax in intrinsic graphene. The spin-orbit coupling arises from the band structure and is enhanced by ripples. The orbital motion is influenced by scattering centers and ripple-induced gauge fields. Spin relaxation due to Elliot-Yafet and Dyakonov-Perel mechanisms and gauge fields in combination with spin-orbit coupling are discussed. In intrinsic graphene, the Dyakonov-Perel mechanism and spin flip due to gauge fields dominate and the spin-flip relaxation time is inversely proportional to the elastic scattering time. The spin-relaxation anisotropy depends on an intricate competition between these mechanisms. Experimental consequences are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huertas-Hernando
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Guinea
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brataas