Two-dimensional electron scattering in regions of nonuniform spin-orbit coupling

We present a theoretical study of elastic spin-dependent electron scattering caused by a nonuniform Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength. Using the spin-generalized method of partial waves the scattering amplitude is exactly derived for the case of a circular shape of scattering region. We found that the polarization of the scattered waves are strongly anisotropic functions of the scattering angle. This feature can be utilized to design a good all-electric spin-polarizer. General properties of the scattering process are also investigated in the high and low energy limits.