Spin–orbit interaction in Pt or Bi2Te3 nanoparticle-decorated graphene realized by a nanoneedle method

The introduction of spin–orbit interactions (SOIs) and the subsequent appearance of a two-dimensional topological phase are crucial for voltage-controlled and zero-emission energy spintronic devices. In contrast, graphene basically lacks SOIs due to the small mass of the carbon atom, and appropriate experimental reports for SOIs are rare. Here, we control small-amount (cover ratios <8%) random decoration of heavy nanoparticles [platinum (Pt) or bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)] onto monolayer graphene by developing an original nanoneedle method. X-ray photoelectron spectra support low-damage and low-contamination decoration of the nanoparticles, suggesting the presence of Bi–C and Te–C coupling orbitals. In the samples, we find particle-density-dependent non-local resistance (RNL) peaks, which are attributed to the (inverse) spin Hall effect arising from SOI with energies as large as ∼30 meV. This is a larger value than those in previous reports and supported by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The present observation should lead to topological phases of graphene, which can be introduced by random decoration with controlled small amounts of heavy nanoparticles and their applications.