Zeeman ratchets: pure spin current generation in mesoscopic conductors with non-uniform magnetic fields

We consider the possibility to employ a quantum wire realized in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) as a spin ratchet. We show that a net spin current without accompanying net charge transport can be induced in the nonlinear regime by an unbiased external driving via an ac voltage applied between the contacts at the ends of the quantum wire. To achieve this we make use of the coupling of the electron spin to inhomogenous magnetic fields created by ferromagnetic stripes patterned on the semiconductor heterostructure that harbours the 2DEG. Using recursive Green function techniques we numerically study two different setups, consisting of one and two ferromagnetic stripes, respectively.