One-dimensionality of the spin-polarized surface conduction and valence bands of quasi-one-dimensional Bi chains on GaSb(110)-( 2×1 )

Abstract

Surface electronic structure and its one-dimensionality above and below the Fermi level ($E_{\rm F}$) were surveyed on the Bi/GaSb(110)-(2$\times$1) surface hosting quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) Bi chains, using conventional (one-photon) and two-photon angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) and theoretical calculations. ARPES results reveal that the Q1D electronic states are within the projected bulk bandgap. Circular dichroism of two-photon ARPES and density-functional-theory calculation indicate clear spin and orbital polarization of the surface states consistent with the giant sizes of Rashba-type SOI, derived from the strong contribution of heavy Bi atoms. The surface conduction band above $E_{\rm F}$ forms a nearly straight constant-energy contour, suggesting its suitability for application in further studies of one-dimensional electronic systems with strong SOI. A tight-binding model calculation based on the obtained surface electronic structure successfully reproduces the surface band dispersions and predicts possible one- to two-dimensional crossover in the temperature range of 60--100~K.