Competition between Spin-Orbit Interaction and Zeeman Coupling in Rashba 2DEGs

TL;DR

This paper explores how Rashba spin-orbit interaction and Zeeman coupling influence electron transport and spin dynamics in InGaAs 2DEGs, revealing spin-induced symmetry breaking and increased spin relaxation times.

Contribution

It provides a systematic experimental analysis confirming theoretical predictions about the interplay between spin-orbit and Zeeman effects in 2DEGs.

Findings

Spin-induced breaking of time reversal symmetry.

Enhanced spin relaxation time due to magnetic field.

Agreement with recent theoretical models.

Abstract

We investigate systematically how the interplay between Rashba spin-orbit interaction and Zeeman coupling affects the electron transport and the spin dynamics in InGaAs-based 2D electron gases. From the quantitative analysis of the magnetoconductance, measured in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field, we conclude that this interplay results in a spin-induced breaking of time reversal symmetry and in an enhancement of the spin relaxation time. Both effects, due to a partial alignment of the electron spin along the applied magnetic field, are found to be in excellent agreement with recent theoretical predictions.