Abstract: We theoretically analyze the possibility to use a ferromagnetic gate
as a spin-polarization filter for one-dimensional electron systems
formed in semiconductor heterostructures showing strong Rashba
spin-orbit interaction. The proposed device is based on the effect
of the breaking time-reversal symmetry due to the presence of
weak
magnetic fields. For a proper strength and magnetic field orientation
there appears an energy interval in the electron energy spectrum at
which the orientation of spin states is controlled by the
direction of the electron velocity. It leads to the natural
spin polarization of the electron current if the Fermi energy falls
into this energy interval.