Spin phenomena in mesoscopic quantum transport:
From spin ratchets to spin-polarized currents in graphene nanoribbons

I will consider spin effects in charge transport through
mesoscopic conductors of reduced dimensionality, where quantum 
interference effects gain importance and provide means to control 
and manipulate the spin degree of freedom of the charge carriers.
On the one hand, I will propose and discuss a ratchet mechanism
for generating spin currents in nanostructures with spin orbit 
interaction. On the other hand, I will discuss spin polarized currents, 
spin injection and spin conductance oscillations in graphene nanoribbons.