Aharonov-Casher effect in quantum ring ensembles

Abstract: We study the transport of electrons through a single-mode quantum ring with electric field induced Rashba spin-orbit interaction that is subjected to an in-plane magnetic field and weakly coupled to electron reservoirs. Modelling a ring array by ensemble averaging over a Gaussian distribution of energy level positions, we predict slow conductance oscillations as a function of the Rashba interaction and electron density due to spin-orbit interaction-induced beating of the spacings between the levels crossed by the Fermi energy. Our results agree with experiments by Nitta c.s., thereby providing an interpretation that differs from the ordinary Aharonov-Casher effect in a single ring.