Quantum dissipative Rashba spin ratchets
Abstract
We predict the possibility to generate a finite stationary spin current by applying an unbiased ac driving to a quasi-one-dimensional asymmetric periodic structure with Rashba spin-orbit interaction and strong dissipation. We show that under a finite coupling strength between the orbital degrees of freedom the electron dynamics at low temperatures exhibits a pure spin ratchet behavior, {\it i.e.} a finite spin current and the absence of charge transport in spatially asymmetric structures. It is also found that the equilibrium spin currents are not destroyed by the presence of strong dissipation.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0803.3526,
title = {Quantum dissipative Rashba spin ratchets},
author = {Sergey Smirnov and Dario Bercioux and Milena Grifoni and Klaus Richter},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0803.3526},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
4 pages, 3 figures, physical explanation of the results was added, role of the spin torque is now mentioned, Fig. 2 was changed: only the non-equilibrium spin current (the full spin current was removed) is now shown but for different dissipation intensity