Spin-orbit coupling and inversion asymmetry in semiconductors
Abstract
The magneto-optical properties of zinc-blende crystals are investigated with special attention to transitions brought about by parity violating spin-orbit interactions. Intraband transitions both in the conduction and valence band are considered. The electron spin-flip amplitude induced by uniaxial stress is also calculated as well as the spin-flip amplitude proportional to the projection of the electron wave-vector along the magnetic field. Interference effects between the anomalous electric-dipole and the magnetic-dipole or electric-quadrupole transition matrix elements lead to variations of the intensity upon reversal of the magnetic field or the wave-vector of the incident photons both in the conduction band and, more strikingly, the valence band. The strong angular dependence of the magneto-absorption is calculated for arbitrary experimental configurations. It is shown how such effects can be used to determine elusive parameters describing the band structure of zinc-blende crystals.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Rodriguez, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Condensation
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