Spin filtering and spin diode devices in quantum wire systems

Theoretical studies on the spin-dependent transmission and current–voltage characteristic in a mesoscopic system, which consists of two semi-infinite ferromagnetic (FM) leads (as source and drain) separated by a typical periodic quantum dot (QD) are presented. The calculations are based on the tight-binding model and transfer matrix method, and investigate the magnetoresistance (MR) and the spin polarization within the Landauer–Büttiker formalism. The spin-dependent transport behavior can be controlled via a gate voltage and an applied bias in the ballistic regime. The numerical results are shown for a periodic polymer chain with nonmagnetic (NM) and FM leads, and also, with two FM leads. The first system (NM/QD/FM) acts as a spin-filter device in a special condition also contact as a spin diode device. The application of the predicted results may be useful in designing molecular spin-polarized transistors in the future.