Spin-dependent transport in lateral periodic magnetic modulations: Scheme for spin filters

A scheme for spin filters is proposed by studying the coherent transport of electrons through quantum wires with lateral magnetic modulation. Unlike other schemes reported in the literature, the modulation in our scheme is much weaker than the Fermi energy. Large spin polarization through the filter is predicted. Further study suggests the robustness of this spin filter. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.