Current-Induced Spin Polarization at a Single Heterojunction

We have experimentally achieved spin-polarization by a lateral current in a single non-magnetic semiconductor heterojunction. The effect does not require an applied magnetic field or ferromagnetic contacts. The current-induced spin orientation can be seen as the inverse of the circular photo-galvanic effect (also often referred to as spin-photocurrents): the nonequilibrium spin changes its sign as the current reverses. © 2005 American Institute of Physics