Spin-dependent photogalvanic effects (A Review)

Abstract

In this paper we review both theoretical and experimental studies on spin-related photogalvanic effects. A short phenomenological introduction is followed by the discussion of the circular photogalvanic effect, the direct and inverse spin-galvanic effects and the trembling motion of spin-polarized electrons. Then we consider the pure spin currents and magneto-gyrotropic photocurrents. Finally, we discuss the spin-dependent photocurrents in topological insulators and Weyl semimetals.