Cutting edge of spin orbit interaction in semiconductors

Abstract

Spin orbit interaction in a semiconductor induces an effective magnetic field to an electron spin and offers novel functionalities for controlling the spin’s degree of freedom such as electrical spin generation and the electrical control of the spin precession. Here, we review the cutting edge of spin orbit interactions in a semiconductor heterojunction: a Stern-Gerlach spin filter and a mobile spin resonance. By spatially controlling the effective magnetic field, we can realize a spin dependent force and an oscillating effective magnetic field, which enables us to realize electrical spin generation and electron spin resonance without any external magnetic fields and magnetic materials. These results offer a new pathway to a spin source in semiconductor spintronics and for controlling quantum bits in quantum information technology.