Spin-orbit interaction in chiral carbon nanotubes probed in pulsed magnetic fields

TL;DR

This study investigates the spin-orbit interaction in chiral carbon nanotubes through pulsed magnetic field measurements, revealing a split magneto-conductance peak linked to spin polarization and tube chirality, with implications for spintronic applications.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence connecting spin-orbit interaction and chirality in carbon nanotubes, supported by band structure calculations indicating potential for spintronic devices.

Findings

Split magneto-conductance peak near charge neutrality point

Peak splitting is connected to spin-orbit interaction and chirality

Current in peak regions is highly spin-polarized

Abstract

The magneto-conductance of an open carbon nanotube (CNT)-quantum wire was measured in pulsed magnetic fields. At low temperatures we find a peculiar split magneto-conductance peak close to the charge neutrality point. Our analysis of the data reveals that this splitting is intimately connected to the spin-orbit interaction and the tube chirality. Band structure calculations suggest that the current in the peak regions is highly spin-polarized, which calls for application in future CNT-based spintronic devices.