Electron transport properties in a parallel double-quantum-dot structure with three-terminals are theoretically studied. By introducing a local Rashba spin-orbit coupling, we find that an incident electron from one terminal can select a specific term
inal to depart from the quantum dots according to its spin state. As a result, spin polarization and spin separation can be simultaneously realized in this structure. And spin polarizations in different terminals can be inverted by tuning the structure parameters. The underlying quantum interference that gives rise to such a result is analyzed in the language of Feynman paths for the electron transmission.
Electron transport properties in a triple-quantum-dot ring with three terminals are theoretically studied. By introducing local Rashba spin-orbit interaction on an individual quantum dot, we calculate the charge and spin currents in one lead. We find
that a pure spin current appears in the absence of a magnetic field. The polarization direction of the spin current can be inverted by altering the bias voltage. In addition, by tuning the magnetic field strength, the charge and spin currents reach their respective peaks alternately.
