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Contrasting exchange-field and spin-transfer torque driving mechanisms in all-electric electron spin resonance

Jose Reina-Gálvez*

Matyas Nachtigall and Nicolás Lorente

Jan Martinek

Christoph Wolf†

  • *Contact author: jose.reina-galvez@uni-konstanz.de
  • †Contact author: wolf.christoph@qns.science
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Phys. Rev. B 112, 245408 – Published 8 December, 2025Erratum Phys. Rev. B 114, 049903 (2026)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nzhr-syhs

Abstract

Understanding the coherent properties of electron spins driven by electric fields is crucial for their potential application in quantum-coherent nanoscience. In this work, we address two distinct driving mechanisms in electric-field-driven electron spin resonance as implemented in scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We study the origin of the driving field using a single-orbital Anderson impurity, connected to polarized leads and biased by a voltage modulated on resonance with a spin transition. By mapping the quantum master equation into a system of equations for the impurity spin, we identify two distinct driving mechanisms. Below the charging thresholds of the impurity, electron spin resonance is dominated by a magnetically exchange-driven mechanism or field-like torque. Conversely, above the charging threshold spin-transfer torque caused by the spin-polarized current through the impurity drives the spin transition. Only the first mechanism enables coherent quantum spin control, while the second one leads to fast decoherence and spin accumulation towards a non-equilibrium steady state. The electron spin resonance signals and spin dynamics vary significantly depending on which driving mechanism dominates, highlighting the potential for optimizing quantum-coherent control in electrically driven quantum systems.

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Erratum

Erratum: Contrasting exchange-field and spin-transfer torque driving mechanisms in all-electric electron spin resonance [Phys. Rev. B 112, 245408 (2025)]

Jose Reina-Gálvez, Matyas Nachtigall, Nicolás Lorente, Jan Martinek, and Christoph Wolf
Phys. Rev. B 114, 049903 (2026)

Article Text

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Phys. Rev. B 112, 245408– Published 8 December, 2025
  • Received 31 March 2025
  • Revised 21 September 2025
  • Accepted 10 November 2025
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