Spin-orbit interaction in square core-shell nanowires

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how the geometry of square core-shell nanowires influences electron spin-orbit interaction, revealing corner localization effects and energy gaps that impact electron behavior.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed theoretical model of spin-orbit interaction in square nanowires, highlighting corner localization and energy gap formation due to polygonal cross sections.

Findings

Low-energy electrons localize at corners

Significant energy gap separates corner and side states

Corner states behave like independent quantum wires

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the spin-orbit interaction of electrons confined in the outer regions of square core-shell nanowires. The polygonal cross section leads to the accumulation of low-energy electrons in the corners and the formation of a significant energy gap that separates these corner-localized states from higher-energy states localized along the sides. We show that the low-energy states behave like the states of independent quantum wires, while the higher-energy states exhibit features characteristic of coupled wires.