Spin densities in parabolic quantum wires with Rashba spin-orbit interaction

Abstract

Using canonical transformations we diagonalize approximately the Hamiltonian of a gaussian wire with Rashba spin-orbit interaction. This proceedure allows us to obtain the energy dispersion relations and the wavefunctions with good accuracy, even in systems with relatively strong Rashba coupling. With these eigenstates one can calculate the non-equilibrium spin densities induced by applying bias voltages across the sample. We focus on the $z$-component of the spin density, which is related to the spin Hall effect.