Spin transverse force and quantum transverse transport

TL;DR

This paper reviews the concept of spin transverse force, a relativistic quantum effect arising from spin-orbit coupling, which influences electron spin transport and explains phenomena like Zitterbewegung.

Contribution

It provides a concise overview of the spin transverse force and its role in quantum transverse transport, connecting relativistic effects with spin dynamics.

Findings

Spin transverse force is analogous to Lorentz force for charge.

It originates from spin-orbit coupling as a relativistic quantum effect.

The force helps understand Zitterbewegung and quantum transverse transport.

Abstract

We present a brief review on spin transverse force, which exerts on the spin as the electron is moving in an electric field. This force, analogue to the Lorentz force on electron charge, is perpendicular to the electric field and spin current carried by the electron. The force stems from the spin-orbit coupling of electrons as a relativistic quantum effect, and could be used to understand the Zitterbewegung of electron wave packet and the quantum transverse transport of electron in a heuristic way.