Spin separation of Dirac electrons by twisted and vector optical beams

We demonstrate that twisted and vector optical beams can spatially separate two-dimensional electrons with opposite spin projections. Spin accumulation arises from diverging spin currents induced by structured light together with spin relaxation and diffusion. We derive analytical expressions for the resulting spin density in the quasi-local and diffusion-controlled regimes and numerically calculate the spin textures for the parameters relevant to transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers. Our results suggest a mechanism by which the twist and vector pattern of optical beams can be imprinted onto the electron spin degree of freedom.