Electrons in double-layer semiconductor heterostructures experience a special type of spin-orbit interaction that arises in each layer from the perpendicular component of the Coulomb electric field created by electron-density fluctuations in the other layer. We show that this interaction, acting in combination with the usual spin-orbit interaction, can generate a spin current in one layer when a charge current is driven in the other. This effect is distinct symmetrywise from the spin-Hall drag. The spin current is not, in general, perpendicular to the drive current.

Original languageEnglish
Article number033305
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume84
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Jul 2011

    Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

ID: 36443222