The intrinsic spin Hall effect in semiconductors has developed to a
remarkably lively and rapidly growing branch of research in the field of
semiconductor spintronics. In this article we give a pedagogical overview on
both theoretical and experimental accomplishments and challenges. Emphasis is
put on the the description of the intrinsic mechanisms of spin Hall transport
in III-V zinc-blende semiconductors, and on the effects of dissipation.Comment: 22 pages, minor adjustments, version as publishe
