Spatially separated spin carriers in three-ports graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

Exporting the different spin signals to different ports is of practical importance to graphene-based spintronic devices. In this work, we have designed a three-ports graphene nanoribbon (GNR) device by inserting square-shaped carbon tetragon (CT) into GNR symmetrically, and calculated the magnetic moment distribution and transmission spectrum by using first-principles calculation and quantum transport simulation. Our results show that CT can bring non-equivalent path for two spin transport channels resulting in one spin is easier to transport than the other in each output port. Overall whole model, the spin states would be separated in real space but degenerated in energy. After correcting the device with asymmetric edge hydrogenation, we can achieve spatially separated spin carriers in real space and stable spin transporting. Our results suggest this model can serve as the most basic logic device for applying in future spintronics.