Spintronics

Spintronics is an emerging technology that exploits the quantum spin state of electrons. In semiconductors, this exciting field promises to lead to an entirely new generation of transistors and other circuit elements, sensors and maybe even quantum computers.

We perform spin-dependent electronic structure and spin-dependent quantum transport calculations, and we study electron and hole g-factors in mesoscopic nanostructures. Our work focuses on non-magnetic semiconductors since they guarantee well-characterized material's properties.

In the absence of external magnetic fields, spin-separation in semiconducting nano-structures can be achieved by the relativistic spin-orbit interaction. While this interaction is weak, innovative band structure and g-factor engineering can greatly enhance its effect and produce a significant spin polarization. We focus on the following areas:

• Intrinsic spin-Hall effect, combined with the inverse spin-Hall effect
• Atomistic electronic structure calculations of resonant spin-orbit interaction effects in strained multi-quantum wells
• Non-equilibrium Green's function calculations of spin-dependent transport in quantum wires and quantum point contacts
• Prediction and control of spin-polarization by the Haas-van-Alphen effect

Viewpoint: Getting a handle on spin

The following viewpoint article explains to a general audience, how a recently published study of us reveals the possibility for electric field control of spin in semiconductors with a quantum dot molecule.