Current-induced spin polarization in graphene due to Rashba spin-orbit interaction

Spin polarization induced by an external electric field in graphene is considered theoretically in the linear-response regime. The graphene is assumed to be deposited on a substrate which leads to the spin-orbit interaction of Rashba type. The induced spin polarization is shown to be in the graphene plane and perpendicular to the electric field. However, orientation of the spin polarization becomes reversed when the Fermi level, the position of which can be controlled by an external gate voltage, crosses the Dirac points.