Topological quantum pump in serpentine-shaped semiconducting narrow channels

We propose and analyze theoretically a one-dimensional solid-state electronic setup that operates as a topological charge pump in the complete absence of superimposed oscillating local voltages. The system consists of a semiconducting narrow channel with a strong Rashba spin-orbit interaction patterned in a mesoscale serpentine shape. A rotating planar magnetic field serves as the external ac perturbation, and cooperates with the Rashba spin-orbit interaction, which is modulated by the geometric curvature of the electronic channel to realize the topological pumping protocol, originally introduced by Thouless, in a different fashion. We expect the precise pumping of electric charges in our mesoscopic quantum device to be relevant for quantum metrology purposes.