Spin relaxation in asymmetrical heterostructures

Electron spin relaxation caused by the D’yakonov-Perel’ mechanism is investigated theoretically in asymmetrical A${}_3$B${}_5$ heterostructures. The total spin relaxation anisotropy is demonstrated for a wide range of structure parameters and temperatures. The spin relaxation rates dependences are derived for GaAs-based heterojunction and triangular quantum well. The calculations show a few orders of magnitude difference in spin relaxation times.