Nanomechanical Spin-Polarizer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel piezo-spintronic effect where torsional oscillations in a semiconductor beam generate spin-dependent potentials, enabling mechanical control of spin-polarized currents.

Contribution

It proposes the concept of nanomechanical spin-polarizers using torsional oscillations to manipulate spin currents in semiconductors.

Findings

Torsional oscillations induce spin-dependent potentials.

Mechanical spin generators can be realized with this effect.

Potential applications in spintronic devices.

Abstract

Torsional oscillations of a free-standing semiconductor beam are shown to cause spin-dependent oscillating potentials that spin-polarize an applied charge current in the presence of intentional or disorder scattering potentials. We propose several realizations of mechanical spin generators and manipulators based on this piezo-spintronic effect.