Theoretical calculations predict the anisotropic dissipationless circulating current induced by a spin defect in a two-dimensional electron gas. The shape and spatial extent of these dissipationless circulating currents depend dramatically on the relative strengths of spin-orbit fields with differing spatial symmetry, offering the potential to use an electric gate to manipulate nanoscale magnetic fields and couple magnetic defects. The spatial structure of the magnetic field produced by this current is calculated and provides a direct way to measure the spin-orbit fields of the host, as well as the defect spin orientation, e.g., through scanning nanoscale magnetometry.

• Received 10 November 2021
• Revised 21 February 2023
• Accepted 26 May 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.086301