Microscopic theory of spin-splittings and ballistic spin currents in semiconductor nanostructures

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Vogl
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 41099562

This project aims at quantitatively predicting the spin-orbit-interaction induced intrinsic spin-Hall effect, spin-orbit induced magnetizations, spin precession times, g-factors, and spin-polarized electron currents as well as the quantum spin-Hall effect in nanostructured two-dimensional electron or hole gases with and without the presence of magnetic fields. The calculations will be based on a novel spin-resolved quantum transport theory, the multi scattering Buettiker probe (MSB) model, that we have recently developed. It treats quantum interference and coherence on the same footing as incoherent scattering and allows one to incorporate inhomogeneous magnetic fields in a non-perturbative manner. The main methodical objective will consist in extending this method to consistently treat many electronic bands as necessary for topological insulators. The underlying electronic structure scheme is the atomistic relativistic empirical tight-binding method.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1285: Semiconductor Spintronics