Higher order contributions to Rashba and Dresselhaus effects

TL;DR

This paper introduces a systematic method to compute higher-order Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit contributions in heterostructures using symmetry and tight-binding formalism, revealing new terms up to third order in wavevector k.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to derive comprehensive spin Hamiltonians including higher-order effects for various heterostructure symmetries, extending previous models.

Findings

Computed full-zone spin Hamiltonians for common heterostructures.

Identified additional third-order terms in the Hamiltonian.

Provided matrix elements for zinc blende structures with full spin-orbit effects.

Abstract

We have developed a method to systematically compute the form of Rashba- and Dresselhaus-like contributions to the spin Hamiltonian of heterostructures to an arbitrary order in the wavevector k. This is achieved by using the double group representations to construct general symmetry-allowed Hamiltonians with full spin-orbit effects within the tight-binding formalism. We have computed full-zone spin Hamiltonians for [001]-, [110]- and [111]-grown zinc blende heterostructures (D_{2d},C_{4v},C_{2v},C_{3v} point group symmetries), which are commonly used in spintronics. After an expansion of the Hamiltonian up to third order in k, we are able to obtain additional terms not found previously. The present method also provides the matrix elements for bulk zinc blendes (T_d) in the anion/cation and effective bond orbital model (EBOM) basis sets with full spin-orbit effects.