The spin-double refraction in two-dimensional electron gas

TL;DR

This paper reviews the spin-double refraction phenomenon at interfaces in 2D electron gases with Rashba spin-orbit coupling, showing how it can generate and control spin-polarized currents without ferromagnetic contacts.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of spin-double refraction in 2D electron gases and demonstrates its potential for spin control in semiconductor heterostructures.

Findings

Spin-double refraction occurs at interfaces with Rashba coupling.

The phenomenon can produce spin-polarized currents.

Control of spin currents is possible without ferromagnetic leads.

Abstract

We briefly review the phenomenon of the spin-double refraction that originates at an interface separating a two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit coupling from a one without. We demonstrate how this phenomenon in semiconductor heterostructures can produce and control a spin-polarized current without ferromagnetic leads.