Keywords

spin dynamics, Rashba systems, wave packets

Abstract

We explore spin dynamics for localized wave packets in Rashba systems using spin quantum propagators. We derive exact (one-dimensional) and approximate (two-dimensional) analytic expressions for the propagators and apply them to Gaussian wave packets to obtain localized solutions of systems manifesting Rashba interactions. We observe and describe the evolution of the wave packets. We identify characteristic structures in the wave-packet evolution and look for features with specific spintronics applications such as spin separation and spin accumulation. We discuss the relative importance of those features as a function of the Rashba coupling strength α and the width of the wave packet w. In particular, we find a trade off between spatial oscillation and global separation of the spin when varying α and w.

Original Publication Citation

Hsu, B. C., & Van Huele, J. F. S. (2009). Spin dynamics for wave packets in Rashba systems. Physical Review B, 80(23), 235309.