Current-induced spin polarization at a single heterojunction

A. Yu. Silov, P. A. Blajnov, J. H. Wolter, R. Hey, K. H. Ploog, N. S. Averkiev
2004 Applied Physics Letters  
We have experimentally achieved spin polarization by a lateral current in a single nonmagnetic semiconductor heterojunction. The effect does not require an applied magnetic field. The current-induced spin orientation can be seen as the inverse of the circular photogalvanic effect (also often referred to as spin photocurrents): the nonequilibrium spin changes its sign as the current reverses.
doi:10.1063/1.1833565 fatcat:txjoz6ahindyzjmhfzef6q73k4