Spin-dependent transport properties in strained silicene superlattice

Based on the transfer-matrix method, we theoretically investigate the spin-dependent transport properties in silicene superlattice, with extrinsic Rashba spin–orbit interaction (RSOI), in the presence of strain. Due to the RSOI coupling, spin-inversion can be achieved. The spin resolved conductance and spin- inversion effect can be efficiently tuned by RSOI and strain strength. In addition, for particular values of RSOI strength, electrons with perfect spin-inversion transmit through the silicene superlattice. It is found that the spin conductance can be efficiently controlled by the number of barriers. As the number of barriers increases, spin conductivities decrease. The results indicate that for the armchair direction strain, unlike the zigzag direction the spin polarization can be observed and it increases with increasing the RSOI strength. The magnitude and sign of spin polarization can be manipulated by strain strength. The spin polarization in silicene superlattice for any number of barriers reaches a maximum value at 2% strain.