Spin Distribution in Diffraction Pattern of Two-dimensional Electron Gas with Spin-orbit Coupling

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin-orbit coupling affects the spin distribution in the diffraction pattern of a two-dimensional electron gas, revealing controllable spin currents generated during diffraction.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed calculation of spin distribution in diffraction patterns considering spin-orbit coupling in 2D electron gases.

Findings

Perpendicular spin component can reach 0.42 ħ after diffraction.

Diffraction induces a pure spin current in the transverse direction.

The spin current direction is tunable via chemical potential.

Abstract

Spin distribution in the diffraction pattern of two-dimensional electron gas by a split gate and a quantum point contact is computed in the presence of the spin-orbit coupling. After diffracted, the component of spin perpendicular to the two-dimensional plane can be generated up to 0.42 $\hbar$. The non-trivial spin distribution is the consequence of a pure spin current in the transverse direction generated by the diffraction. The direction of the spin current can be controlled by tuning the chemical potential.