Spin-photovoltaic effect in quantum wires due to inter-subband transitions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin-orbit interactions and magnetic fields induce a controllable photocurrent in quantum wires through inter-subband transitions caused by electromagnetic radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a Wigner functions approach to analyze the spin-photovoltaic effect in quantum wires considering both Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions.

Findings

Photocurrent depends on spin-orbit constants and magnetic field strength.

Current direction and magnitude are tunable via radiation parameters.

Inter-subband transitions enable spin-dependent photocurrent control.

Abstract

We consider the current induced in a quantum wire by external electromagnetic radiation. The photocurrent is caused by the interplay of spin-orbit interaction (Rashba and Dresselhaus terms) and external in-plane magnetic field. We calculate this current using a Wigner functions approach taking into account radiation-induced transitions between transverse subbands. The magnitude and the direction of the current depend on the Dresselhaus and Rashba constants, strength of magnetic field, radiation frequency and intensity. The current can be controlled by changing some of these parameters.