Spin-orbit interaction in the graphitic nanocone

TL;DR

This paper derives the Hamiltonian for nanocones with curvature-induced spin orbit coupling and analyzes its impact on electronic properties, revealing how defects influence local density of states with potential applications in atomic force microscopy.

Contribution

The study introduces a Hamiltonian model for curvature-induced spin orbit coupling in nanocones and explores its effects on electronic properties based on defect configurations.

Findings

Spin orbit interaction significantly alters local density of states.

Number of defects at the nanocone tip affects electronic properties.

Potential application in atomic force microscopy tips.

Abstract

The Hamiltonian for nanocones with curvature induced spin orbit coupling have been derived. The effect of curvature induced spin orbit coupling on the electronic properties of graphitic nanocones is considered. Energy spectra for different numbers of the pentagonal defects in the tip of the nanocones are calculated. It was shown that the spin orbit interaction considerably affects the local density of states of the graphitic nanocone. This influence depends on the number of defects present at the tip of the nanocone. This property could be applied in atomic force microscopy for the construction of the probing tip.