Thermally-induced spin polarization in a magnetized two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit interaction

Abstract

Spin polarization induced by a temperature gradient (heat-current) in a magnetized two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) with Rashba spin-orbit interaction is considered theoretically within the linear response theory. Using the Matsubara Green function formalism we calculate the temperature dependence of the spin polarization for arbitrary orientation of the exchange field. The limit of a nonmagnetic 2DEG (zero exchange field) is also considered. The physical mechanisms of the spin polarization within our scheme are discussed.