Effect of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling on spin transport properties in WSe2 superlattice

Abstract

We report a theoretical study of the spin and valley dependent transport properties in a WSe2 superlattice with external Rashba spin-orbit interaction (ERSOI). It is shown that the conductance with and without spin flip strongly depends on the ERSOI and has an oscillatory behavior with respect to ERSOI strength, thus WSe2 superlattice can act as a spin-converter. Also, the magnitude of spin-dependent conductance can be efficiently controlled by potential barrier height and number of superlattice barriers. Results show that the valley and spin polarization depend on the number of superlattice barriers and exhibit an oscillatory evolution versus ERSOI strength and potential barrier height. These results clarify that a WSe2 superlattice can be useful for the design of novel valleytronic and spintronic devices.