Dziom, V., Shuvaev, A., Gospodarič, J., Novik, E. G., Dobretsova A. A., Mikhailov, N. N., Kvon, Z. D., Alpichshev, Z., & Pimenov, A. (2022). Universal transparency and asymmetric spin splitting near the Dirac point in HgTe quantum wells. Physical Review B, 106(4), Article 045302. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.106.045302
E138-05 - Forschungsbereich Solid State Spectroscopy
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Journal:
Physical Review B
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ISSN:
2469-9950
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Date (published):
11-Jul-2022
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Number of Pages:
7
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Publisher:
AMER PHYSICAL SOC
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Peer reviewed:
Yes
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Keywords:
Topology
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Abstract:
Spin-orbit coupling in thin HgTe quantum wells results in a relativistic-like electron band structure, making it a versatile solid state platform to observe and control nontrivial electrodynamic phenomena. Here we report an observation of universal terahertz (THz) transparency determined by fine-structure constant α≈1/137 in 6.5-nm-thick HgTe layer, close to the critical thickness separating phases with topologically different electronic band structure. Using THz spectroscopy in a magnetic field we obtain direct evidence of asymmetric spin splitting of the Dirac cone. This particle-hole asymmetry facilitates optical control of edge spin currents in the quantum wells.
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Project (external):
FWF
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Research Areas:
Materials Characterization: 50% Surfaces and Interfaces: 50%
