The density-matrix formalism is applied to calculate the spin-relaxation time for two-dimensional systems with a hierarchy of spin–orbit couplings, such as Rashba-type, Dresselhaus-type and strain-induced. It is found that the spinrelaxation time can be infinite if those coupling strengths α, β , γ1 and γ2 satisfy either condition (i) α = β, γ1 = 0 or (ii) α = −β, γ2 = 0, which correspond to th...

We elucidate the origin and nature of the D’yakonov-Perel’ spin relaxation in a quantum wire structure, showing (analytically) that there are three necessary conditions for it to exist: (i) transport must be multi-channeled, (ii) there must be a Rashba spin orbit interaction in the wire, and (iii) there must also be a Dresselhaus spin orbit interaction. Therefore, the only effective way to comp...

We analyze the ordered state of nuclear spins embedded in an interacting two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) with Rashba spin-orbit interaction (SOI). Stability of the ferromagnetic nuclear-spin phase is governed by nonanalytic dependences of the electron spin susceptibility χ on the momentum (q̃) and on the SOI coupling constant (α). The uniform (q̃ = 0) spin susceptibility is anisotropic (with ...

The spin-split states subject to Rashba spin-orbit coupling in two-dimensional systems have long been accepted as pointing inplane and perpendicular to the corresponding wave vectors. This is in general true for free-electron model, but exceptions do exist elsewhere. Within the tight-binding model, we unveil the unusual upstanding behavior of those Rashba spins around K̄ and K̄ points in honeycom...

We study the transverse electron focusing in a two-dimensional electron gas with Rashba spin-orbit coupling. We show that the interplay between the external magnetic field and the spin-orbit coupling gives two branches of states with different cyclotron radius within the same energy window. This effect generates a splitting of the first focusing peak in two contributions. Each one of these cont...

We study the proximity effect between conventional superconductor and magnetic normal metal with a spin-orbit interaction of the Rashba type. Using the phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau theory and the quasiclassical Eilenberger approach it is demonstrated that the Josephson junction with such a metal as a weak link has a special non-sinusoidal current-phase relation. The ground state of this jun...

Time-resolved optical measurements in (110)-oriented GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells show a tenfold increase of the spin-relaxation rate as a function of applied electric field from 20 to 80 kV cm at 170 K and indicate a similar variation at 300 K, in agreement with calculations based on the Rashba effect. Spin relaxation is almost field-independent below 20 kV cm reflecting quantum well interface as...