Quantum networks in the presence of the Rashba effect and a magnetic field

We use a simple formalism to calculate the conductance of any quantum network consisting of single-channel one-dimensional quantum wires in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit coupling and a coupling magnetic field. We show that the Rashba effect may give rise to an electron localization phenomenon similar to the Aharonov–Bohm effect. This localization effect can be attributed to spin precession due to the Rashba effect. We present results for linear transport through a finite-size chain connected to leads, taking also the effect of disorder into account. The effects of applying a magnetic field and Rashba spinorbit coupling are studied in two-dimensional networks, showing that their interplay can lead the system to a transition between localized and anti-localized behaviour.