Spin transport in inhomogeneous magnetic fields: a proposal for Stern-Gerlach-like experiments with conduction electrons
arXiv:cond-mat/0104146 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.66.024436
Abstract
Spin dynamics in spatially inhomogeneous magnetic fields is studied within the framework of Boltzmann theory. Stern-Gerlach-like separation of spin up and spin down electrons occurs in ballistic and diffusive regimes, before spin relaxation sets in. Transient dynamics and spectral response to time-dependent inhomogeneous magnetic fields are investigated, and possible experimental observations of our findings are discussed.
7 pages, 4 figures; revised and extended version, to appear in PRB