Spin density functional theory simulations of quantum point contacts: An investigation of spin filtering effects

Richard Akis, David Ferry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we present simulations of quantum point contacts (QPCs) formed in semiconductor heterostructures over which a metal split-gate has been deposited. Biasing the gates creates a quasi-1D channel (ie. a wire, or a QPC for very short channels) which separates the 2DEG into source and drain regions and through which current can flow. Besides the usual plateaus at integer multiples of G0= (2e2/h), more recent experiments on QPCs however have found additional non-integer plateaus, perhaps the most noteworthy being a ∼0.7 G0 conductance anomaly. Incorporating spin-density-functional theory (SDFT) into our calculations, we are able obtain similar anomalies in our simulations. Moreover, we find that these features can be correlated with the formation of a spin-dependent energy barrier structure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - NSTI Nanotech 2005 Technical Proceedings
EditorsM. Laudon, B. Romanowicz
Pages240-243
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2005
Event2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - NSTI Nanotech 2005 - Anaheim, CA, United States
Duration: May 8 2005May 12 2005

Publication series

Name2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - NSTI Nanotech 2005 Technical Proceedings

Other

Other2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - NSTI Nanotech 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim, CA
Period5/8/055/12/05

Keywords

  • Heterostructures
  • Quantum transport
  • Spin density functional theory
  • Spintronics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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