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.

• Received 26 November 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.256601