A perspective on two-dimensional van der Waals opto-spin-caloritronics

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnetic semiconductors displaying controllable ferromagnetism at room temperature form atomically sharp interfaces with various substrates. Such heterostructures create platforms for understanding spin-dependent phenomena across interfaces and surfaces for high-performance technological applications. Combining these 2D magnets with light and the spin Seebeck effect (SSE) in-state-of-the-art thermo-opto-spin studies forms a new paradigm in the field of spin-caloritronics that harnesses light as the new heat. In this Perspective, we detail how to exploit recent advances in 2D van der Waals materials to boost the SSE and propose a new strategy for optically controlled SSE in 2D magnetic semiconductor-based heterostructures with the intent to establish the research thrust of "opto-spin-caloritronics." Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.