Spatial spin splitter based on a hybrid ferromagnet, Schottky metal and semiconductor nanostructure

We theoretically investigate the lateral displacement of the spin electron across a hybrid magnetically modulated nanostructure. Experimentally, this nanostructure can be produced by depositing a ferromagnetic stripe with in-plane magnetization and a Schottky metal stripe on top and bottom of a semiconductor heterostructure, respectively. Theoretical analysis reveals that the inclusion of the Schottky metal stripe in single ferromagnetic-stripe nanostructure can break the intrinsic symmetry and a sizeable spin polarization in the lateral displacement will occur. Numerical calculations demonstrate that both magnitude and sign of the spin polarization can be controlled by adjusting the width and/or the position of the Schottky metal stripe in the device. Thus, based on such a hybrid magnetically modulated nanostructure, a spatial spin splitter can be proposed successfully.