Spin-valley physics in anomalous thermoelectric responses of the spin-orbit coupled $\alpha$-$T_3$ system with broken time-reversal symmetry

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin-orbit interaction, magnetization, and a model parameter in the $ extalpha$-$T_3$ lattice enable tunable spin and valley-dependent thermoelectric responses, with potential for caloritronic applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates the controllability of spin and valley polarizations in the $ extalpha$-$T_3$ system through magnetization and parameter tuning, revealing new avenues for spin-valley caloritronics.

Findings

Magnetization induces highly tunable spin and valley polarizations.

Peak-dip features of Nernst responses explained via Hall responses and Mott relation.

Nearly complete polarization achievable over extended parameter regions.

Abstract

We extract spin-valley physics in the anomalous Hall and Nernst responses of the spin-orbit coupled $\alpha$-$T_3$ system in the presence of a time-reversal symmetry breaking staggered magnetization. We show that the interplay between the SOI, magnetization, and a model parameter $\alpha$ for the $\alpha$-$T_3$ lattice enables efficient tuning of spin- and valley-dependent Hall and Nernst signals. The spin-valley physics of the Hall and Nernst responses in the absence and presence of the magnetization are well explained. The peak-dip features of the Nernst responses are also understood from the corresponding Hall responses through the Mott relation. We find that the magnetization introduces highly tunable spin and valley polarizations, which are calculated from the spin- and valley-resolved Nernst conductivities. It is shown that both the spin and valley polarizations can attain nearly complete polarization over extended regions of the parameter space. Overall, our results highlight the $\alpha$-$T_3$ lattice as a promising platform for spin and valley caloritronic applications.