Radiation-induced resistance oscillations in 2D electron systems with strong Rashba coupling

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Two-dimensional electron systems (2DES) exhibit complex magnetoresistance phenomena.
• Strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling leads to characteristic beating patterns in Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations.
• External radiation can induce resistance oscillations in 2DES.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined effects of radiation and strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling on magnetoresistance in 2DES.
• To analyze the interplay between radiation-induced oscillations and the intrinsic beating pattern.
• To understand the influence of radiation intensity and frequency on magnetotransport properties.

Main Methods:

• Analytical derivation of electron wave functions using a total Hamiltonian including Rashba and radiation terms.
• Perturbation treatment for elastic scattering from charged impurities.
• Calculation of the system's magnetoresistance.

Main Results:

• Without radiation, a beating pattern (nodes and antinodes) in magnetoresistance is observed, consistent with Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations.
• In the presence of radiation, the beating pattern is significantly altered, following the profile of radiation-induced oscillations.
• The study explores the dependence of these modified patterns on radiation intensity and frequency, including the terahertz regime.

Conclusions:

• Radiation fundamentally modifies the magnetotransport behavior of 2DES with strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling.
• The findings provide a theoretical framework for understanding magnetotransport in systems like non-ideal Dirac fermions in topological insulators under radiation.
• This research could inform the development of novel electronic devices operating under electromagnetic fields.