Theory Department
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
1997    
1998    
1999    
2000    
2001    
2002    
2003    
2004    
2005    
2006    
2007    
2008    
2009    
2010    
2011    
2012    
2013    
2014    
2015    
2016    
2017    
2018    
2019    
2020    
2021    
Ast, C. R., Pacilé, D., Moreschini, L., Falub, M. C., Papagno, M., Kern, K., Grioni, M., Henk, J., Ernst, A., Ostanin, S. A., Bruno, P.

Spin-orbit split two-dimensional electron gas with tunable Rashba and Fermi energy
Physical Review B 77, (8),pp 081407(R)/1-4 (2008)
We demonstrate that it is possible to tune the Rashba energy, introduced by a strong spin-orbit splitting, and the Fermi energy in a two-dimensional electron gas by a controlled change of stoichiometry in an artificial surface alloy. In the BixPb1−x /Ag(111) surface alloy, the spin-orbit interaction maintains a dramatic influence on the band dispersion for arbitrary Bi concentration x, as is shown by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The Rashba energy ER and the Fermi energy EF can be tuned to achieve values larger than one for the ratio ER/EF, which opens up the possibility for observing phenomena, such as corrections to the Fermi liquid or a superconducting state. Relativistic first-principles calculations explain the experimental findings.

TH-2008-03