Spin–orbit split two-dimensional states of BiTeI/Au(1 1 1) interfaces. (19th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zaitsev, N L; Tonner, R; Nechaev, I A
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 31:Number 20(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-03-19
• Subjects: Rashba effect -- noble-metal surface states -- spin–orbit-split interface states -- bismuth tellurohalides; Condensed matter -- Periodicals; Matière condensée -- Périodiques; Vaste stoffen; Vloeistoffen; Natuurkunde; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; 530.4105
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/ab07fa
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-8984

Abstract

Abstract: We present an ab initio study of interfaces formed by placing a single trilayer of BiTeI on the Au(1 1 1) surface. We consider two possible interfaces with the parallel and antiparallel orientation of the trilayer dipole moment with respect to the surface normal, i.e. Te–Bi–I/Au(1 1 1) and I–Bi–Te/Au(1 1 1). We show that the resulting interface state that originates from the modified spin–orbit split surface state of the clean Au(1 1 1) surface resides at high energy above the Fermi level and acquires a large spin-splitting and reversal helicity as compared with the original surface state. The former lowest conduction state of the trilayer, which is one of the hitherto known giant Rashba spin-split states of few-atomic-layer structures, becomes partly occupied. In the I–Bi–Te/Au(1 1 1) interface, this state represents a Rashba system with strong spin–orbit interaction, where the outer branch of the spin-split state is mostly populated.