Designing of spin filter devices based on zigzag zinc oxide nanoribbon modified by edge defect*

Abstract

The spin-dependent electronic transport properties of a zigzag zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoribbon are studied by using density functional theory with non-equilibrium Green’s functions. We calculate the spin-polarized band structure, projected density of states, Bloch states, and transmission spectrum of the ZnO nanoribbon. It is determined that all Bloch states are located at the edge of the ZnO nanoribbon. The spin-up transmission eigenchannels are contributed from Zn 4s orbital, whereas the spin-down transmission eigenchannels are contributed from Zn 4s and O 2p orbitals. By analyzing the current–voltage curves for the opposite spins of the ZnO nanoribbon device, negative differential resistance (NDR) and spin filter effect are observed. Moreover, by constructing the ZnO nanoribbon modified by the Zn-edge defect, the spin-up current is severely suppressed because of the destruction of the spin-up transmission eigenchannels. However, the spin-down current is preserved, thus resulting in the perfect spin filter effect. Our results indicate that the ZnO nanoribbon modulated by the edge defect is a practical design for a spin filter.