Spin-orbit interaction in chiral carbon nanotubes probed in pulsed magnetic fields

The magnetoconductance of an open carbon nanotube (CNT)-quantum wire was measured in pulsed magnetic fields. At low temperatures, we find a peculiar split magnetoconductance peak close to the charge-neutrality point. Our analysis of the data reveals that this splitting is intimately connected to the spin-orbit interaction and the tube chirality. Band-structure calculations suggest that the current in the peak regions is highly spin polarized, which calls for application in future CNT-based spintronic devices.