Temperature dependence of D'yakonov-Perel' spin relaxation in zinc blende semiconductor quantum structures

TL;DR

This paper extends the D'yakonov-Perel' spin relaxation theory to intermediate temperatures in zinc blende quantum structures, providing accurate predictions that match experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces an improved theoretical model for spin relaxation that covers the intermediate temperature regime, bridging the gap between low and high temperature limits.

Findings

The model accurately predicts spin relaxation rates across a range of temperatures.

Results show excellent agreement with experimental data.

The approach uses self-consistent multiband envelope function calculations.

Abstract

The D'yakonov-Perel' mechanism, intimately related to the spin splitting of the electronic states, usually dominates the spin relaxation in zinc blende semiconductor quantum structures. Previously it has been formulated for the two limiting cases of low and high temperatures. Here we extend the theory to give an accurate description of the intermediate regime which is often relevant for room temperature experiments. Employing the self-consistent multiband envelope function approach, we determine the spin splitting of electron subbands in n-(001) zinc blende semiconductor quantum structures. Using these results we calculate spin relaxation rates as a function of temperature and obtain excellent agreement with experimental data.