Spin Relaxation in Single-Layer and Bilayer Graphene

We investigate spin relaxation in graphene spin valves and observe strongly contrasting behavior for single-layer graphene (SLG) and bilayer graphene (BLG). In SLG, the spin lifetime (tau(s)) varies linearly with the momentum scattering time (tau(p)) as carrier concentration is varied, indicating the dominance of Elliot-Yafet (EY) spin relaxation at low temperatures. In BLG, tau(s) and tau(p) exhibit an inverse dependence, which indicates the dominance of Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation at low temperatures. The different behavior is due to enhanced screening and/or reduced surface sensitivity of BLG, which greatly reduces the impurity-induced EY spin relaxation.