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arXiv · 2504.03261

Spin-orbit interactions, time-reversal symmetry, and spin selection

Amnon Aharony·Ora Entin-Wohlman
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Abstract

Spin selective transport is usually associated with spin-orbit interactions. However, these interactions are invariant under time-reversal symmetry, and the Onsager relations and Bardarson's theorem imply that such interactions cannot yield spin selectivity for transport through a junction between two electronic reservoirs. Here, we review several ways to overcome this restriction, using a Zeeman magnetic field, the Aharonov-Bohm phase, time-dependent electric fields that generate time-dependent spin-orbit interactions, time-dependent transients, more than two terminals, leakage, and more than one level per ion on the junction. Our considerations focus on the transport of noninteracting electrons at low temperatures. A possible connection with the phenomenon of chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) is pointed out in one of the systems considered.

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Amnon Aharony, Ora Entin-Wohlman. 2025-04-04. Spin-orbit interactions, time-reversal symmetry, and spin selection. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0265363

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