Theory of the detection of current-induced spin polarization in a two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract

The k-dependent spin-orbit splitting of the spin degeneracy of electronic states of electrons confined to an asymmetric well leads to a number of interesting phenomena. One is the existence of a spin polarization in association with an electric-field-induced drift current. We develop a theoretical model, in the diffusive transport regime, for the detection of this spin polarization via electrical measurements on a junction between a two-dimensional electron gas carrying such a drift current and a magnetized ferromagnetic film. The predictions are in plausible agreement with experiments, but more extensive results would be of interest in confirming the proposed interpretation.