Symmetries of quantum transport with Rashba spin-orbit: Graphene spintronics

Abstract

The lack of some spatial symmetries in planar devices with Rashba spin-orbit interaction opens the possibility of producing spin polarized electrical currents in absence of external magnetic field or magnetic impurities. We study how the direction of the spin polarization of the current is related to spatial symmetries of the device. As an example of these relations we study numerically the spin-resolved current in graphene nanoribbons. Different configurations are explored and analyzed to demonstrate that graphene nanoflakes may be used as excellent spintronic devices in an all-electrical setup.

8 pages, 7 figures, revised and extended version