Nonequilibrium noise measurements using hBN tunnel barriers

Spin-orbit coupling, a relativistic effect coupling the spin angular momentum of an electron with its orbital angular momentum, has shown its significance for potential “spintronic” device applications. Nonequilibrium noise (or “shot”) noise, which comprises the inherent fluctuations in the electrical current of system driven out of equilibrium, is predicted to be an outstanding experimental probe for underlying physics in the spin-orbit coupling, since predictions shows the tunneling shot noise will be modified in the presence of spin accumulation. Here we report initial nonequilibrium charge current noise measurements in a variety of tunnel junctions prepared using hBN as monolayer tunnel barriers and strong spin hall angle materials as electros. We will also report flicker noise found during low-frequency noise measurement in Au/hBN/Au tunneling structures due to the presence of thermally excited dynamic defects.