Controlling spin-dependent transport via inhomogeneous magnetic flux in double-dot Aharonov–Bohm interferometer

Abstract

We study the spin-dependent electron transport through parallel coupled quantum dots (QDs) embedded in an Aharonov–Bohm (AB) interferometer connected asymmetrically to leads. Both the Rashba spin–orbit interaction (RSOI) inside one of the QDs, which acquires a spin-dependent phase factor in the tunnel-coupling strengths when the electrons flow through this arm of the AB ring, and an inhomogeneous magnetic flux penetrating the structure are taken into account. Due to the existence of the RSOI induced phase factor, magnetic flux and the interdot coupling, a spin-dependent Fano effect will arise. We pay special attention on the properties of the local density of states and the conductance when the electron phase factor is close to integer multiplies of a quantum of flux. It is shown that the roles and lifetimes of the bonding and antibonding states of the two spin components are very sensitive to the phase factor and can be well controlled accordingly. This manipulation of the spin degree of freedom relies on the existence of RSOI but can be fulfilled even when its strength is very weak. The proposed structure can be easily realized with present technology and might be of practical applications in spintronics devices and quantum computing.