arXiv · 1105.3484
Spin-current in generic hybrid structures due to interfacial spin-orbit scattering
Abstract
We demonstrate a general principle that hybrid structures of any sort inevitably will give rise to a pure spin-current flowing parallel to the interface region when a charge-current is injected. This stems from the broken mirror symmetry near the interface which gives rise to spin-orbit coupling that deflects incoming electrons in a spin-discriminating fashion. We establish a general analytical condition for the appearance of this effect, and calculate the transverse spin-current explicitly using two different models. In addition, we investigate how the process of Andreev-reflection influences this phenomenon in the scenario where one of the materials is superconducting.
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J. Linder, T. Yokoyama. 2011-05-17. Spin-current in generic hybrid structures due to interfacial spin-orbit scattering. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.106.237201
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