Spin transport in an Aharonov-Bohm ring with exchange interaction

Abstract

We investigate spin-dependent conductance through a quantum Aharonov-Bohm ring containing localized electrons which interact with the propagating flow of electrons via exchange interaction of the ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic type. We analyze the conductance oscillations as a function of both the chemical potential (particle concentration) and external magnetic field. It is demonstrated that the amplitude of the conductance oscillations in the ballistic regime is determined by the value of the noncompensated spin localized in the ring. The results are in agreement with the concept of fractional quantization of the ballistic conductance, proposed by us earlier [Phys. Rev. B71, 113311 (2005)].