Work

Phase-space methods for the spin dynamics in condensed matter systems

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Using the phase-space formulation of quantum mechanics, we derive a four-component Wigner equation for a system composed of spin-[Formula: see text] fermions (typically, electrons) including the Zeeman effect and the spin-orbit coupling. This Wigner equation is coupled to the appropriate Maxwell equations to form a self-consistent mean-field model. A set of semiclassical Vlasov equations with spin effects is obtained by expanding the full quantum model to first order in the Planck constant. The corresponding hydrodynamic equations are derived by taking velocity moments of the phase-space distribution function. A simple closure relation is proposed to obtain a closed set of hydrodynamic equations.This article is part of the themed issue 'Theoretical and computational studies of non-equilibrium and non-statistical dynamics in the gas phase, in the condensed phase and at interfaces'.

Source: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences

DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0199

Authors: Jérôme Hurst, Paul-Antoine Hervieux, Giovanni Manfredi

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and electron transport phenomena

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche

Award: Nanostructures en Interaction avec leur Environnement