Abstract
For a linear chain of diamondlike elements, we show that the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (which can be tuned by a perpendicular gate voltage) and the Aharonov-Bohm flux (due to a perpendicular magnetic field) can combine to select only one propagating ballistic mode, for which the electronic spins are fully polarized along a direction that can be controlled by the electric and magnetic fields and by the electron energy. All the other modes are evanescent. For a wide range of parameters, this chain can serve as a spin filter.
- Received 27 May 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.78.125328
©2008 American Physical Society