Work

Spin currents in thermodynamic equilibrium: The challenge of discerning transport currents

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: The standard definition of a spin current, applied to the conductors lacking inversion symmetry, results in nonzero spin currents. I demonstrate that the spin currents do not vanish even in thermodynamic equilibrium, in the absence of external fields. These currents are dissipationless and are not associated with real spin transport. The result should be taken as a warning indicating problems inherent in the theory of transport spin currents driven by external fields.

Source: Physical review. B, Condensed matter

DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.68.241315

Author: Emmanuel I. Rashba

Institutions: University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and electron transport phenomena

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2007179192

FWCI: 23.12

Cites: 14

Cited by: 354

Related to: 8