Non-equilibrium Spin Currents in Systems with Striped Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling

It is shown that non-homogeneity in the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) arising from structure inversion asymmetry gives rise to a finite intrinsic spin Hall conductivity in contrast with the corresponding case of a homogeneous SOC in the disordered two-dimensional electron gas. In particular, we examine the inhomogeneity arising from a striped modulation of the Rashba type spin-orbit coupling. A corresponding structure could be realized at oxide interfaces with periodic top gating or in semiconductor heterostructures.