Work

Edge Dynamics in a Quantum Spin Hall State: Effects from Rashba Spin-Orbit Interaction

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: We analyze the dynamics of the helical edge modes of a quantum spin Hall state in the presence of a spatially nonuniform Rashba spin-orbit (SO) interaction. A randomly fluctuating Rashba SO coupling is found to open a scattering channel which causes localization of the edge modes for a weakly screened electron-electron (e-e) interaction. A periodic modulation of the SO coupling, with a wave number commensurate with the Fermi momentum, makes the edge insulating already at intermediate strengths of the e-e interaction. We discuss implications for experiments on edge state transport in a HgTe quantum well.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.256804

Authors: Anders Ström, Henrik Johannesson, G. I. Japaridze

Institutions: University of Gothenburg, Ilia State University, Georgian National Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Topological Materials and Phenomena

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2011210812

FWCI: 6.744

Cites: 21

Cited by: 153

Related to: 10