Many-body theory of phonon-induced spin relaxation and decoherence

Electron spin decoherence from atomic vibrations (phonons) limits the performance of spin-based devices but is difficult to model quantitatively. Here, the authors present a new theory for addressing this challenge. Their approach unifies the theoretical treatment of two mechanisms -- spin scattering off phonons and spin precession altered by phonons -- and provides unprecedented microscopic insight into spin motion in materials. This work enables precise predictions for spin relaxation and decoherence in materials, advancing the quest for spin-based quantum technologies.