Spin-polarized transport in Rashba controlled rings

Abstract We study spin-polarized transport in a Rashba one-dimensional ring interrupted by a tunnel barrier placed in one arm and symmetrically coupled to two external leads. By means of the scattering matrix approach, we investigate the effects on the transport properties of both an applied magnetic flux (Aharonov–Bohm flux) and an effective Aharonov–Casher flux induced by the spin–orbit (SO) Rashba interaction. By varying the model parameters we show a spin-filtering effect relevant for the experimental detection of SO interaction in mesoscopic structures.