Chapter 2 - Rashba spin–orbit coupling in two-dimensional systems

Abstract

The various aspects of spin transport in two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) in the presence of Rashba spin–orbit coupling are reviewed. We start with a brief introduction on the origin of spin–orbit splitting in asymmetrically grown 2DEG, extended to metallic interfaces, and topological surfaces. We then discuss how Rashba spin–orbit coupling can be detected via magnetic field-induced quantum oscillations, electric-dipole spin resonance, and weak antilocalization. In the third part, spin transport properties are addressed, including the spin-charge conversion processes, quenched spin relaxation in the spin helix state, as well as the Zitterbewegung effect, quantum anomalous and magnetoelectric effects, and Floquet physics. Finally, we close this chapter with a review on device concepts, covering the spin interferometer, and the spin field-effect transistor, as well as the spin–orbit torque magnetic memory device, and the spin–orbit Qubit.