Analogies between Jahn–Teller and Rashba spin physics. Issue 20 (2nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stroppa, Alessandro; Barone, Paolo; Di Sante, Domenico; Cuoco, Mario; Picozzi, Silvia; Whangbo, Myung‐Hwan
• Is Part Of: International journal of quantum chemistry. Volume 116:Issue 20(2016)
• Page Start: 1442
• Page End: 1450
• Publication Date: 2016-08-02
• Subjects: Jahn–Teller -- orbital ordering -- Rashba/Dresselhaus -- spin‐orbit -- spin texture; Quantum chemistry -- Periodicals; 541.28
• DOI: 10.1002/qua.25209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7608

Abstract

Abstract: In developing physical theories, analogical reasoning has been found to be very powerful, as attested by a number of important historical examples. An analogy between two apparently different phenomena, once established, allows one to transfer information and bring new concepts from one phenomenon to the other. Here, we discuss an important analogy between two widely different physical problems, namely, the Jahn–Teller distortion in molecular physics and the Rashba spin splitting in condensed matter physics. By exploring their conceptual and mathematical features and by searching for the counterparts between them, we examine the orbital texture in Jahn–Teller systems, as the counterpart of the spin texture of the Rashba physics, and put forward a possible way of experimentally detecting the orbital texture. Finally, we discuss the analogy by comparing the coexistence of linear Rashba + Dresselhaus effects and Jahn–Teller problems for specific symmetries, which allow for nontrivial spin and orbital textures, respectively. Abstract : Analogies are a powerful tool for developing new theories. Analogies allow one to transfer information and bring new concepts from one phenomenon to the other. Here, the analogy between widely different problems, namely, the Jahn–Teller distortion and the Rashba spin splitting is discussed. Although the two phenomena differ in their physical context, a mapping between them is possible. We explored their conceptual features, and searched for the counterparts between them.