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Semiclassical spin transport in spin-orbit-coupled bands
Dimitrie Culcer1, Jairo Sinova, N A Sinitsyn
1Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1081, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|August 25, 2004
Summary
We present a semiclassical theory for spin transport in spin-orbit coupled bands. This theory reveals new contributions to spin current, improving understanding of spin-Hall conductivity in semiconductors.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Spintronics
- Quantum mechanics
Background:
- Recent interest in novel spintronics effects.
- Need for a theory of spin transport in spin-orbit coupled systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a semiclassical theory for spin transport in spin-orbit coupled bands.
- Investigate contributions to spin current beyond simple convection.
- Calculate the intrinsic spin-Hall conductivity.
Main Methods:
- Semiclassical theory development.
- Analysis of spin current contributions (convective, spin dipole, torque dipole).
- Application to hole-doped semiconductors.
Main Results:
- Identified additional spin current contributions from wave packet spin and torque dipole moments.
- Derived an expression for intrinsic spin-Hall conductivity.
- Demonstrated the importance of torque dipole for spin accumulation near boundaries.
Conclusions:
- The developed semiclassical theory accurately describes spin transport in spin-orbit coupled systems.
- Torque dipole moments play a crucial role in spin current and accumulation.
- The theory aligns with predictions from the Kubo formula.