Spin-orbit interaction in core-shell semiconductor-metal nanowires

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates how interface potentials in core-shell semiconductor-metal nanowires influence electron spin-orbit interaction and wave function localization.

Contribution

It introduces a model based on the k-dot-p method to analyze the effects of interface potentials on spin-orbit coupling in hexagonal core-shell nanowires.

Findings

Interface potentials significantly affect spin-orbit coupling strength.

Wave functions tend to localize within the semiconductor shell due to interface effects.

The model provides insights into tailoring spin properties in nanowire heterostructures.

Abstract

We study theoretically the spin-orbit interaction of electrons confined in a tubular semiconductor nanowire, between an inner semiconductor core and an outer metallic extra shell. A band off-offset potential is present at the inner semiconductor-semiconductor interface and a more complex potential barrier at the outer metal-semiconductor contact. The cross section of the nanowire has a hexagonal geometry. We use a model derived from the k-dot-p method, and discuss the effects of the interface potentials on the strength of the spin-orbit coupling and on the localization of the wave functions within the semiconductor shell