Spin filter using a semiconductor quantum ring side-coupled to a quantum wire

Abstract

We introduce a new spin filter based on spin-resolved Fano resonances due to spin-split levels in a quantum ring (QR) side-coupled to a quantum wire (QW). Spin-orbit coupling inside the QR, together with external magnetic fields, induces spin splitting, and the Fano resonances due to the spin-split levels result in perfect or considerable suppression of the transport of either spin direction. Using the numerical renormalization group method, we find that the Coulomb interaction in the QR enhances the spin filter operation by widening the separation between dips in conductances for different spins and by allowing perfect blocking for one spin direction and perfect transmission for the other. The spin-filter effect persists as long as the temperature is less than the broadening of QR levels due to the QW-QR coupling. We discuss realistic conditions for the QR-based spin filter and its advantages to other similar devices.