Theory of spin coherence in semiconductor heterostructures

Consideration of the spin degrees of freedom of the carriers in semiconduct or heterostructures creates interesting possibilities for spin optoelectron ics, magnetoelectronics and quantum computing. This theory paper attempts t o explain in simple terms the concepts of optical and spin coherence, how t hey can be observed, simple deductions of the spin dynamics in magnetic fie lds, exciton interaction effects, exciton exchange effects and the spin tra nsport across semiconductor-metal interface. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.