A quantum-network approach to spin interferometry driven by Abelian and non-Abelian fields

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum network theory for spin interferometry influenced by Abelian and non-Abelian fields, successfully modeling conductance in mesoscopic devices and revealing a new spin-phase suppression mechanism.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive quantum network model for spin transport under complex fields, enabling analysis of experimental results and uncovering novel spin-phase phenomena.

Findings

Reproduces experimental conductance patterns in InAsGa quantum wells.

Identifies a new spin-phase suppression mechanism.

Applicable to complex networks and spectral analysis of closed systems.

Abstract

We present a theory of conducting quantum networks that accounts for Abelian and non-Abelian fields acting on spin carriers. We apply this approach to model the conductance of mesoscopic spin interferometers of different geometry (such as squares and rings), reproducing recent experimental findings in nanostructured InAsGa quantum wells subject to Rashba spin-orbit and Zeeman fields (as, e.g., the manipulation of Aharonov-Casher interference patterns by geometric means). Moreover, by introducing an additional field-texture engineering, we manage to single out a previously unnoticed spin-phase suppression mechanism. We notice that our approach can also be used for the study of complex networks and the spectral properties of closed systems.