Theory of transport through quantum-dot spin valves in the weak-coupling regime

Abstract

We develop a theory of electron transport through quantum dots that are weakly coupled to ferromagnetic leads. The theory covers both the linear and nonlinear transport regimes, takes noncollinear magnetization of the leads into account, and allows for an externally applied magnetic field. We derive generalized rate equations for the dot's occupation and accumulated spin and discuss the influence of the dot's spin on the transmission. A negative differential conductance and a nontrivial dependence of the conductance on the angle between the lead magnetizations are predicted.