arXiv · 0901.0160
Rash spin-orbit interaction in graphene and graphene zigzag nano-ribbons
Abstract
We investigate the effects of Rashba spin-orbit interactions on the electronic band-structure and corresponding wave-functions of graphene. By exactly solving a tight-binding model Hamiltonian we obtain the expected splitting of the bands -due to the SU(2) spin symmetry breaking- that is accompanied by the appearance of additional Dirac points. These points are originated by valence-conduction band crossings. By introducing a convenient gauge transformation we study a model for zigzag nanoribbons with RSO interactions. We show that the RSO interactions lifts the quasi-degeneracy of the edge band while introducing a state-dependent spin separation in real space. Calculation of the average magnetization perpendicular to the ribbon plane suggest that RSO could be used to produce spin-polarized currents. Comparisons with the intrinsic spin-orbit (I-SO) interaction proposed to exist in graphene are also presented.
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Mahdi Zarea, Nancy Sandler. 2009-05-08. Rash spin-orbit interaction in graphene and graphene zigzag nano-ribbons. https://doi.org/10.1103/phy.rev.b.79.165442
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