The theory of spin noise in low-dimensional systems and bulk semiconductors is reviewed. Spin noise is usually detected by optical means continuously measuring the rotation angle of the polarization direction of a probe beam passing through a sample. Spin noise spectra yield rich information about the spin properties of the system, for example, g-factors of the charge carriers, spin relaxation times, parameters of the hyperfine interaction, spin-orbit coupling constants, and frequencies and widths of the optical resonances. The review describes basic models of spin noise, methods to theoretically describe it, and its relation to experimental results. We also discuss the relation between spin noise spectroscopy and strong and weak quantum measurements, as well as spin flip Raman scattering, and analyze similar effects, including manifestations of the charge, current, and valley polarization fluctuations in the optical response. Possible directions for further development of spin noise spectroscopy are outlined.

Keywords: spin noise, spin correlation functions, nanosystems, quantum dots, nanowires, quantum wells, spin Faraday effect, hyperfine interaction, exchange interaction, spin-orbit coupling PACS: 72.70.+m, 78.67.−n (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2020.10.038861 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2021/9/c/ 000722209600003 2-s2.0-85120789703 2021PhyU...64..923S Citation: Smirnov D S, Mantsevich V N, Glazov M M "Theory of optically detected spin noise in nanosystems" Phys. Usp. 64 923–946 (2021) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 6th, July 2020, accepted: 25th, October 2020 Оригинал: Смирнов Д С, Манцевич В Н, Глазов М М «Теория оптически детектируемых спиновых флуктуаций в наносистемах» УФН 191 973–998 (2021); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2020.10.038861