Magnetoabsorption of the electromagnetic radiation by a two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba’s spin-orbit coupling in a heterojunction with a lateral superlattice

Abstract

Absorption of linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation by a two-dimensional electron gas in a lateral-superlattice structure subjected to a perpendicular magnetic field is calculated analytically and numerically for the first time, taking into account Rashba’s spin-orbit coupling and Zeeman splitting. Calculations are carried out for semiconductor heterostructures characterized by weak and sufficiently strong spin-orbit coupling (AlGaAs/GaAs and GaAs/InGaAs, respectively). The nature of the new effect related to intense magnetoabsorption of electromagnetic radiation in the submillimeter range by a two-dimensional electron gas in a superlattice with strong spin-orbit coupling is analyzed. Magneto-optical experiments aimed at studying spin-Peierls states of charge carriers are discussed and, in this context, optimum parameters for semiconductor structures with spin-orbit coupling and values of the magnetic field are determined.