Dynamic nuclear polarisation in biased quantum wires with spin-orbit interaction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for dynamic nuclear polarisation in quantum wires that leverages spin-orbit and hyperfine interactions with a bias voltage, eliminating the need for external magnetic or optical sources.

Contribution

The proposed scheme enables nuclear polarisation control in quantum wires without external magnetic or optical fields, facilitating device integration and nanoscale applications.

Findings

Achieves a few percent nuclear polarisation in InAs wires

Detects polarisation via conductance measurements

Applicable for NMR and spin-based device studies

Abstract

We propose a new method for dynamic nuclear polarisation in a quasi one-dimensional quantum wire utilising the spin-orbit interaction, the hyperfine interaction, and a finite source-drain potential difference. In contrast with current methods, our scheme does not rely on external magnetic or optical sources which makes independent control of closely placed devices much more feasible. Using this method, a significant polarisation of a few per cent is possible in currently available InAs wires which may be detected by conductance measurements. This may prove useful for nuclear-magnetic-resonance studies in nanoscale systems as well as in spin-based devices where external magnetic and optical sources will not be suitable.