Quantum rings as electron spin beam splitters

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how quantum interference and spin-orbit interaction in a mesoscopic semiconductor ring can function as a spin beam splitter, producing polarized outputs from unpolarized inputs with high efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel device design using quantum rings as spin beam splitters, detailing conditions for achieving unit efficiency.

Findings

Achieves polarization separation similar to Stern-Gerlach in a mesoscopic ring

Identifies parameters for optimal device efficiency

Demonstrates potential for spintronics applications

Abstract

Quantum interference and spin-orbit interaction in a one-dimensional mesoscopic semiconductor ring with one input and two output leads can act as a spin beam splitter. Different polarization can be achieved in the two output channels from an originally totally unpolarized incoming spin state, very much like in a Stern-Gerlach apparatus. We determine the relevant parameters such that the device has unit efficiency.