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Published on: July 24, 2015
Spin-dependent scattering by a potential barrier on a nanotube
Yonatan Abranyos1, Godfrey Gumbs, Paula Fekete
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Hunter College at the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA. yabranyo@hunter.cuny.edu
Summary
Electron spin effects on nanotube surfaces are influenced by spin-orbit interaction (SOI) and disorder. These factors impact electron transmission probability, potentially preventing perfect transmission even with finite barriers.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Nanoscience
- Quantum mechanics
Background:
- Electron spin dynamics are crucial in nanoscale materials.
- Spin-orbit interaction (SOI) significantly affects electron behavior in confined systems.
- Disorder in nanostructures can alter quantum transport properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of spin-orbit interaction (SOI) on electron spin effects on nanotube surfaces.
- To analyze the impact of disorder on electron transmission probability in the presence of SOI.
- To derive analytical expressions for spin-split energy bands and scattering amplitudes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a continuum model for electron behavior on nanotube surfaces.
- Analytically calculating scattering amplitudes from potential barriers considering spin-dependent states.
- Phenomenologically incorporating disorder effects to assess transmission probability reduction.
Main Results:
- Derived analytic expressions for spin-split energy bands due to SOI on nanotube surfaces.
- Quantified the reduction in transition probability caused by disorder.
- Demonstrated that the interplay of SOI and disorder affects transmission probability based on particle momentum and spin orientation.
Conclusions:
- Spin-orbit interaction and disorder play critical roles in electron spin transport on nanotube surfaces.
- Disorder can significantly impede electron transmission, potentially preventing perfect transmission.
- Understanding these effects is vital for designing nanotube-based electronic devices.
