Tight-binding theory of the spin-orbit coupling in graphene

Konschuh, Sergej and Gmitra, Martin and Fabian, Jaroslav (2010) Tight-binding theory of the spin-orbit coupling in graphene. PHYSICAL REVIEW B, 82 (24): 245412. ISSN 2469-9950, 2469-9969

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The spin-orbit coupling in graphene induces spectral gaps at the high-symmetry points. The relevant gap at the Gamma point is similar to the splitting of the p orbitals in the carbon atom, being roughly 8.5 meV. The splitting at the K point is orders of magnitude smaller. Earlier tight-binding theories indicated the value of this intrinsic gap of 1 mu eV, based on the sigma-pi coupling. All-electron first-principles calculations give much higher values, between 25 and 50 mu eV, due to the presence of the orbitals of the d symmetry in the Bloch states at K. A realistic multiband tight-binding model is presented to explain the effects the d orbitals play in the spin-orbit coupling at K. The pi-sigma coupling is found irrelevant to the value of the intrinsic spin-orbit-induced gap. On the other hand, the extrinsic spin-orbit coupling (of the Bychkov-Rashba type), appearing in the presence of a transverse electric field, is dominated by the pi-sigma hybridization, in agreement with previous theories. Tight-binding parameters are obtained by fitting to first-principles calculations, which also provide qualitative support for the model when considering the trends in the spin-orbit-induced gap in graphene under strain. Finally, an effective single-orbital next-nearest-neighbor hopping model accounting for the spin-orbit effects is derived.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: GAS;
Subjects: 500 Science > 530 Physics
Divisions: Physics > Institute of Theroretical Physics > Chair Professor Richter > Group Jaroslav Fabian
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 06 Jul 2020 06:44
Last Modified: 06 Jul 2020 06:44
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/23742

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item