A single molecule spin pump

We theoretically put forward a single molecule spin pump, which can generate spin current, even pure spin current. The intrinsic spin-orbit interaction allowed by the molecular symmetry plays a key role in this device. Numerical calculations show the pumped spin current can be modulated by the pumping frequency, the external magnetic flux, and the gate voltage. Such a single molecule device can be realized within the reach of the present-day technology. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.