Creation and Control of Spin Current in Solids

Research on the flow of spin, i.e., spin current, has been attracting much attention along with the recent developments in spintronics research. Spin current is a fundamental concept in the transformation and control of various physical signals related to spin. Understanding spin current means the clarification of the mechanisms underlying the transformation and control of various physical signals, which is expected to result in further progress in spintronics research, the discovery of new physical phenomena, and the development of new devices. In this report, the concept of spin current and its historical background are first explained, and then the current status and future prospects of the research on spin current are overviewed by discussing its creation, physical properties and functions, as well as its application to devices.