Spin diode and spin valve based on an interacting quantum dot coupled with nonmagnetic electrodes

Abstract

In this letter, we theoretically propose a spin diode and spin valve device controlled by all-electrical means, which is composed of a quantum dot coupled to a pair of nonmagnetic electrodes. When both electric charge bias and spin bias exist within the device, the I-V curves of this device exhibit an asymmetric distribution.More interestingly, if we apply an external magnetic field on the quantum dot,it can be observed significant high- and low-resistance state switching with respect to the magnetic field, which can function as a spin valve. This device is compatible with current technologies and has potential applications in spintronics.