Interdimensional effects in a three-dimensional electron gas with a Rashba spin-orbit coupling interface

Abstract

We examine the bound-state and free-state contributions to the density of states in a three-dimensional electron gas with a two-dimensional interface with Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Confinement of electrons to the interface is achieved through the inclusion of an attractive potential in the interface. Motivation for our research comes from interest in heterostructure materials that exhibit the Edelstein and inverse Edelstein effects on surfaces or interfaces due to large Rashba spin-orbit coupling. By modifying the Hamiltonian of a three-dimensional free electron gas to include an interface with Rashba spin-orbit coupling and an attractive potential, we are able to calculate the bound-state and free-state wavefunctions and corresponding density of states analytically. We find that one of the spin-split energy bands in the interface has an upper bound, resulting in an enhancement of the Edelstein and inverse Edelstein effect.