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Quantum transport in Rashba spin-orbit materials: a review
Dario Bercioux1, Procolo Lucignano
1Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Manuel de Lardizbal 4, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain. IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation of Science, 48011 Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems and Institut für Theoretische Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
Reports on Progress in Physics. Physical Society (Great Britain)
|September 26, 2015
Summary
This review explores spin-dependent transport in materials featuring Rashba spin-orbit interaction. It covers semiconductor heterostructures, topological insulators, and graphene, detailing spin current generation and interference in mesoscopic devices.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Spin-orbit interaction is crucial for spintronic devices.
- Rashba interaction, arising from structural inversion asymmetry, significantly influences electron spin dynamics.
- Understanding spin-dependent transport is key for next-generation electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of spin-dependent transport phenomena in materials with Rashba spin-orbit interaction.
- To discuss the theoretical framework starting from the Rashba Hamiltonian.
- To explore applications and related effects in various material systems.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of the Rashba Hamiltonian in two-dimensional electron gases.
- Description of transport properties in two- and quasi-one-dimensional systems.
- Detailed examination of spin current generation and interference effects.
Main Results:
- Detailed analysis of spin-dependent transport in semiconductor heterostructures, topological insulators, graphene, and superconductor hybrids.
- Investigation of Rashba interaction's role in localization effects and the Aharonov-Casher effect.
- Discussion of related phenomena like the spin-Hall effect and Majorana fermions.
Conclusions:
- Rashba spin-orbit interaction profoundly impacts spin-dependent transport across diverse material systems.
- Mesoscopic devices exhibit complex spin current generation and interference phenomena influenced by Rashba effects.
- The review highlights the significance of Rashba interaction in fundamental physics and potential technological applications.
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