Observation of orientation- and $k$-dependent Zeeman spin-splitting in hole quantum wires on (100)-oriented AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures

TL;DR

This study investigates how the Zeeman spin-splitting in hole quantum wires on (100)-oriented AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures depends on orientation and wavevector, revealing controllable spin properties linked to hole spin-3/2 characteristics.

Contribution

It demonstrates orientation- and $k$-dependent Zeeman splitting in hole quantum wires, highlighting differences from electron systems and the role of hole spin-3/2 nature.

Findings

Spin-splitting can be turned on or off by rotating magnetic field orientation.

The $g$-factor decreases as the wire narrows in the parallel orientation.

The properties are identical for wires along different crystallographic axes.

Abstract

We study the Zeeman spin-splitting in hole quantum wires oriented along the $[011]$ and $[01\bar{1}]$ crystallographic axes of a high mobility undoped (100)-oriented AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure. Our data shows that the spin-splitting can be switched `on' (finite $g^{*}$) or `off' (zero $g^{*}$) by rotating the field from a parallel to a perpendicular orientation with respect to the wire, and the properties of the wire are identical for the two orientations with respect to the crystallographic axes. We also find that the $g$-factor in the parallel orientation decreases as the wire is narrowed. This is in contrast to electron quantum wires, where the $g$-factor is enhanced by exchange effects as the wire is narrowed. This is evidence for a $k$-dependent Zeeman splitting that arises from the spin-3/2 nature of holes.