Chiral spin channels in curved graphene $pn$ junctions

Abstract

We show that the chiral modes in circular graphene $pn$ junctions provide an advantage for spin manipulation via spin-orbit coupling compared to semiconductor platforms. We derive the effective Hamiltonian for the spin dynamics of the junction's zero modes and calculate their quantum phases. We find a sweet spot in parameter space where the spin is fully in-plane and radially polarized for a given junction polarity. This represents a shortcut to singular spin configurations that would otherwise require spin-orbit coupling strengths beyond experimental reach.