Rashba spin splitting of L-gap surface states on Ag(111) and Cu(111)

TL;DR

This study investigates the spin splitting of surface states on Ag(111) and Cu(111) using spin-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming Rashba effect characteristics and providing quantitative estimates of Rashba parameters.

Contribution

The paper provides the first quantitative estimation of the Rashba parameter for Ag(111) surface states and confirms their spin textures align with the Rashba effect through experimental and theoretical analysis.

Findings

Ag(111) surface states exhibit Rashba-type spin textures.

The Rashba parameter for Ag(111) is 80% of that for Cu(111).

Surface state wave functions are mainly of even mirror-symmetry.

Abstract

Spin-resolved band structures of L-gap surface states on Ag(111) and Cu(111) are investigated by spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (SARPES) with a vacuum-ultra-violet laser. The observed spin textures of the Ag(111) and Cu(111) surface states agree with that expected by the conventional Rashba effect. The Rashba parameter of the Ag(111) surface state is estimated quantitatively and is 80% of that of Cu(111). The surface-state wave function is found to be predominantly of even mirror-symmetry with negligible odd contribution by SARPES using a linearly polarized light. The results are consistent with our theoretical calculations for the orbital-resolved surface state.