Charge and spin transport through the two-dimensional electron gas/ferromagnet junctions with Rashba spin–orbit coupling

Using the method of Blonder, Tinkham and Klapwijk, the conductance spectra of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and ferromagnet (F) junctions in the presence of Rashba spin–orbit coupling (RSOC) are theoretically studied. Two distinguishing features are predicted. This predicted effect allows a direct measurement of the exchange energy of the ferromagnet and the Rashba energy of the 2DEG. The influence of the interfacial scattering is also considered on the differential conductance and spin polarization of the conductance. Surprisingly, the combined effect of both types of scattering (spin-conserving and spin-flip) can actually result in an increase in conductance and spin polarization under certain conditions. The transport properties of 2DEG/F and metal (M)/F junctions are compared. It is implied that Rashba spin–orbit coupling can enhance spin polarization.