Device Concepts Based on Spin-Dependent Transmission in Semiconductor Heterostructures

Abstract

We examine zero-magnetic-field spin-dependent transmission in nonmagnetic semiconductor heterostructures with structural inversion asymmetry (SIA) and bulk inversion asymmetry (BIA), and report spin devices concepts that exploit their properties. Our modeling results show that several design strategies could be used to achieve high spin filtering efficiencies. The current spin polarization of these devices is electrically controllable, and potentially amenable to high-speed spin modulation, and could be integrated in optoelectronic devices for added functionality.