A spin filtering device has: a spin filter (1) having an input region (3)
for carrying an electron current, an output region (4) for carrying an
electron current, and a three-dimensionally confined quantum region (2a)
arranged to operate in the Coulomb blockade regime and separating the
input and output regions (3 and 4) whereby electrons can only pass from
the input region to the output region by tunnelling through the quantum
region; and Zeeman splitting means (5) for causing Zeeman splitting in
the spin filter, the quantum region (2a) and input and output regions (3
and 4) being formed such that the Zeeman splitting in the input and
output regions (3 and 4) is less than the Fermi energy such that, in
operation, the spin filter outputs a tunnelling current predominantly of
one spin polarity. The direction of Zeeman splitting may be controlled to
control the predominant spin polarity.