REVIEW: SPIN POLARIZATION AND COSMIC RADIATION

Abstract

Spin polarization refers to the alignment of electron spins within a material, which plays a critical role in fields like spintronics, where the spin of electrons is exploited for various technological applications. In cosmology, cosmic radiation, consisting of high-energy particles originating from outer space, interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic fields, influencing various astrophysical processes. Recently, there has been growing interest in understanding how spin-polarized particles in cosmic radiation might provide insights into the nature of cosmic phenomena such as galactic magnetic fields, dark matter, and early universe conditions. Spin-polarized cosmic rays, for instance, could carry information about the magnetic environments of distant astrophysical sources. Additionally, spin-polarized materials offer a unique opportunity for detecting weak signals in cosmic radiation, potentially improving space weather predictions and offering more effective tools for exploring high-energy astrophysical processes. This paper explores the connection between spin polarization and cosmic radiation, examining how spintronic principles might be applied to cosmology. It reviews the current literature on the role of spin polarization in cosmic ray studies, discusses the potential of spintronic materials for detecting cosmic radiation, and suggests future research directions in this exciting interdisciplinary field.