Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1544979 Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures 2011 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

We study the conductance steps of a ballistic nanowire in the presence of a harmonic potential, an in-plane magnetic field, and spin–orbit interactions induced by Rashba and Dresselhaus effects. Calculations of the conductance, at low temperature, using the Landauer–Büttiker formalism, reveal different patterns of steps that are strongly dependent on the magnetic field. Such dependence provides a powerful tool for determining the strengths of the spin–orbit interaction independently, especially in nanowires with low carrier density.

Graphical abstractEvolution of the conductance steps as the orientation of the magnetic field varies. The dependence of the conductance steps of a ballistic nanowire on the magnetic field is used to determine the Rashba and Dresselhaus coupling constants independently.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We study the quantum steps of the conductance in ballistic nanowire. ► Conductance steps are sensitive to the magnetic field and spin–orbit interaction. ► Negative step disappears at key values of these interactions. ► Rashba and Dresselhaus constants are determined independently from those values.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Authors
,