Elemental Tellurium: spin-orbit coupling in 1, 2, & 3 dimensions
Abstract
Title: Elemental Tellurium: spin-orbit coupling in 1, 2, & 3 dimensionsObjective:The proposed research will investigate the conse""quences of spin-orbit coupling on transport phenomena in the elemental semiconductor tellurium (Te), as manifested in the behavior o""f spin and charge in one, two, and three-dimensional electronic states.Approach:This project has both experimental and theoretica""l components. To obtain high-quality crystalline tellurium for devices, we will use several methods to grow both bulk material and n""anowires, aiming for high-quality crystals with close to intrinsic doping. From bare crystalsamples we will fabricate devices and p"erform transport experiments at low temperature and potentially high magnetic fields required to obtain information on the electronic structure. Mechanical and chemical exfoliation will be used in attempts to isolate single atomic helixchains. Theoretical modelin"g, occurring throughout the project, will make use of bandstructure calculation methods such as tight-binding and density functional" theory. The effects of proximity-induced superconductivity will be captured through the Bogoliubov-de~Gennes equation.Statement o"f Work:1. Demonstrate current-induced spin polarization resulting from bulk valence band structure, as a scheme for spin transport" devices without ferromagnetic metals; 2. Use the circularly-polarized photogalvanic effect to investigate the spin-dependent bulk band selection rules; 3. Isolate contributions from a two-dimensional surface state and resolve a decades-old misidentification of" extrinsic accumulation layers; 4. Undertake efforts to isolate a single atomic helix constituent of the bulk, whose gyrotropy is r""esponsible for many of tellurium s unusual electronic structure; 5. Achieve proximity-induced superconductivity in one-dimension, w"here spin-orbit interaction plays an especially sensitive role.ONR Relevance:This project aims to significantly advance the understanding of the electronic structure of the highly spin-orbit-coupled semiconductor tellurium. The knowledge gained from this research is expected to impact the development of future information processing platforms based on alternative semiconductor technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712994
Entities
People
- Ian Appelbaum
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maryland