Competing effects of interactions and spin-orbit coupling in a quantum wire

TL;DR

This paper investigates how electron interactions and spin-orbit coupling influence phases in quantum wires, revealing conditions for spin gaps and Luttinger liquid behavior, with implications for spintronic devices.

Contribution

It provides a phase diagram for quantum wires considering interactions and spin-orbit effects, highlighting regimes with spin gaps and Luttinger liquids.

Findings

Identification of parameter regimes with a spin gap.

Conditions under which Luttinger liquid behavior dominates.

Implications for the operation of the Datta-Das transistor.

Abstract

We study the interplay of electron-electron interactions and Rashba spin-orbit coupling in one-dimensional ballistic wires. Using the renormalization group approach we construct the phase diagram in terms of Rashba coupling, Tomonaga-Luttinger stiffness and backward scattering strength. We identify the parameter regimes with a dynamically generated spin gap and show where the Luttinger liquid prevails. We also discuss the consequences for the operation of the Datta-Das transistor.