Abstract
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 and points in honeycomb lattices. Our calculation (i) explains the recent experiment of the surface alloy [K. Sakamoto et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 096805 (2009)], where abrupt upstanding spin states near are observed and (ii) predicts an electrically reversible out-of-plane surface spin polarization.
- Received 18 October 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.80.241304
©2009 American Physical Society