Quantum interference tuning of spin-orbit coupling in twisted van der Waals trilayers

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how quantum interference in twisted van der Waals trilayers can modulate spin-orbit coupling, impacting spin transport properties and enabling control over spin-related phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a method to tune Rashba spin-orbit coupling via quantum interference in twisted layered structures, revealing new ways to manipulate spin phenomena.

Findings

Quantum phase affects spin-polarization in graphene-based heterostructures.

Twist angles can restore or break symmetries, influencing spin-orbit effects.

Potential implications for spin-lifetime and magnetoconductance measurements.

Abstract

We show that in van der Waals stacks of twisted hexagonal layers the proximity induced Rashba spin-orbit coupling can be affected by quantum interference. We calculate the quantum phase responsible for this effect in graphene--transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers as a function of interlayer twist angle. We show how this quantum phase affects the spin-polarization of the graphene bands and discuss its potential effect on spin-to-charge conversion measurements. In twisted trilayers symmetries can be broken as well as restored for certain twist angles. This can be used to deduce the effects of induced spin-orbit coupling on spin-lifetime anisotropy and magnetoconductance measurements.