Spin-orbit coupling and spin current in mesoscopic devices

Recently, the spin-orbit coupling and spin current in nanodevice have been investigated extensively. In this paper, we review the recent progresses in this field. We introduce the real space Hamiltonian and the second quantization Hamiltonian of a typical quantum transport mesoscopic device, metal-QD-metal configuration, containing the spin-orbit interaction, e-e interactions, and magnetic field. Some noteworthy effects (e.g., the spin-polarized current, spin accumulation, persistent spin current) originated from the spin-orbit interaction are reviewed, and the electric field induced by spin-current is mentioned. Lastly, we introduce some unsolved problems and prospects in this field.